Akhenaton Jones Convicted of Brutal Murder of Transgender Fashion Designer
A Pennsylvania man, Akhenaton Jones, has been found guilty of the heinous murder of Dominique “Rem’mie” Fells, a transgender fashion designer from Philadelphia. The gruesome crime involved stabbing Fells more than 40 times, cutting off her legs, and dumping her body in the Schuylkill River over five years ago.
According to Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, Jones, 41, will face a mandatory life sentence for the murder of Fells, a 27-year-old freelance wig and clothing maker whom he had a previous romantic relationship with.
Assistant District Attorney Ashley Toczylowski described the killing as one of the most savage and hateful crimes she had ever seen during a press conference following the conviction.
Fells’ dismembered body was discovered in the Schuylkill River in June 2020, with her legs found separately days later. Investigators found Jones’ residence covered in blood, along with incriminating evidence such as a knife, an electric saw, and a blood-soaked hazmat suit.
Surveillance footage showed Jones disposing of a trash bag in a white van, which he then drove to the river. Jones claimed that another individual had killed Fells and coerced him into assisting in the disposal of her body.
Despite Jones’ defense, he was found guilty of first-degree murder, possession of a weapon, and abuse of a corpse. A mistrial had been declared in a previous trial due to a hung jury.
Jones is scheduled to be sentenced in September, facing the repercussions of his gruesome crime. Fells, described as artistic and vibrant by friends, was a beloved member of the community whose life was tragically cut short.
As we reflect on this tragedy, it is essential to remember the ongoing violence faced by transgender and gender non-conforming individuals in the United States, with over 370 cases of fatal violence reported since 2014, according to the Human Rights Campaign.
