Transgender Woman Attacked In West Charlotte Park Now Facing Sexual Assault Charges

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Police say the transgender woman who was attacked with a hatchet at a west Charlotte park is now facing sexual assault charges in reference to the case.

Police intentionally said three teenagers were facing multiple charges after they attacked the woman at Clanton Park on November 7th.  After further investigation, police say the transgender woman, whose legal name is Derrick Horton, admitted that the assault was not a random act of violence.  Horton went on to tell investigators that she and the 15-year-old had engaged in a sex act prior to the assault, according to a news release.

Horton has been charged with one count of statutory sex offense and one county of indecent liberties with a child.  Horton was arrested Thursday in Ohio.

According to police records, 18-year-olds Dajion Tanner and Destiny Degraca are charged with Attempted First Degree Murder, Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon, First Degree Kidnapping, and Felony Conspiracy in reference to the hatchet accident. The 15-year-old juvenile was also arrested but so far no word on specific charges has been given.

The initial police report says that the suspects stabbed and cut the victim with a hatchet during an attempted robbery. The victim was taken to CMC with serious injuries for treatment.

The case remains under investigation.