WAYNE COUNTY, Mich. – A teen has been charged with first-degree murder in the killing of a transgender woman of color in Highland Park.
Asia Davis, 36, of Highland Park, was murdered on June 1, 2023. Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said Davis’ family and friends described her as “beloved in her community” and said that she was a “generous and compassionate person.”
“It is alleged that the defendant shot and killed her. At the time of her death, she had recently completed nursing school and was going to start a new job when her life was tragically cut short,” Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said.
Prosecutors said that at 11 p.m. on June 1, 2023, Highland Park officers were sent to a hotel in the 16300 block of Woodward Avenue for reports of a shooting. When they arrived, they found Davis inside a hotel room, dead from a gunshot wound to her head.
Carlos Lamar Scotland, 18, also of Highland Park, has been charged with first-degree murder, felony firearm, carrying a concealed weapon, resisting and obstructing a police officer. The murder happened when he was 17, but he has been charged as an adult.
Scotland is accused of shooting Davis in the head and leaving the scene of the murder. Michigan State Police launched an “extensive investigation” that led to Scotland’s arrest on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. Prosecutors said that any further details will be withheld until they are introduced in court.
Scotland was arraigned and remanded to jail on Friday, March 15, 2024. He is expected in court for a probable cause conference on March 26, 2024.
The Fair Michigan Justice Project (FMJP) assists Michigan law enforcement officers and prosecutors in solving major crimes against lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender persons.
“This charging decision comes after hundreds of hours of work from the investigators at the Michigan State Police (MSP). Our Special Prosecutor Kam Towns has provided legal assistance to MSP and will be prosecuting the case. Through their dedication and hard work, we can announce these charges. Asia Davis’ loved ones deserve to know that justice will be served, and we have never wavered in that commitment. We are proud to partner with the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office to prosecute homicides such as this,” said Fair Michigan President Alanna Maguire.