ORLANDO, Florida. – Orange County detectives are asking the public to come forward with any information that may help solve the murder of Monique Jade Brooks, a transgender woman who was found two weeks ago near Orange Blossom Trail and the Florida Mall.

Brooks, 49, who was discovered on July 19, was taken to a nearby hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office took to social media on Thursday to offer a $5,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest in connection with Brooks’ death. Investigators, as well as friends and members of the LGBTQ+ community, hope the reward will encourage witnesses to come forward.

Mulan Williams, a friend for more than 20 years, said she was pleading for an arrest.

“I had only seen Monique the night before. She came by to show me her new car,” said Williams. “Monique was always there for people.”

Brooks’ death is the 24th violent murder of a transgender person in the United States in 2024, according to the Human Rights Campaign. Last year, the National Center for Transgender Equality reported that 53 transgender people were killed nationwide.

“She was a transgender woman, but she was a human being. She was somebody’s child,” Williams said. “Her mother is suffering terribly, her friends are still in shock, and the community needs to know that she was a real human being.”

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477). Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for the $5,000 reward.

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