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Cold Case Arrest Made in Murder of Trans Performer
A man from New York was taken into custody on Friday in connection with the unsolved murder of a transgender performer, a case that has remained open for 15 years. The Brooklyn District Attorney’s office announced the arrest in a recent statement.
Henry Pacheco, 44, from Brooklyn, faces charges that include second-degree murder and arson following an indictment related to the death of Lorelise Escalera Ferrer, also known by her stage name, Lorena Xtravaganza.
Ferrer, who was just 25 years old, was discovered deceased in her bed after a fire engulfed her apartment in Brooklyn. She had relocated to New York City with aspirations of making a name for herself as a performer and was residing on the third floor of a building in the Bushwick neighborhood.
She was a notable member of the House of Xtravaganza, a prominent collective within New York City’s vibrant ballroom scene. The group commemorated her, stating, “She was a powerful force within the House of Xtravaganza, leaving an indelible impact that will be felt forever. Her light continues to shine through all who were touched by her life.”
The investigation into Ferrer’s death gained momentum from surveillance footage and phone records that helped clarify the timeline of the events leading up to the tragedy. Authorities reported that video evidence showed Pacheco entering the building shortly after 2:20 a.m. on May 12, 2012, and leaving over an hour later. Within minutes of his departure, the cameras captured what appeared to be smoke emanating from Ferrer’s apartment. Tragically, Ferrer was found lifeless in her bed, while other residents managed to escape the blaze. Further investigations revealed that she had died prior to the fire, which was determined to have been intentionally set.
Phone records indicated that Pacheco had made numerous calls to Ferrer before the incident. Notably, her phone continued to ring even after the Medical Examiner had established her time of death, suggesting that someone else might have used her phone post-mortem.
Pacheco is currently being held without bail as he awaits his next court appearance.
NYPD Commissioner Tisch commented on the impact of Ferrer’s murder, stating, “The horrific murder of Lorena Escalera, a beloved trans performer, devastated her Brooklyn neighbors and chosen LGBTQIA+ family, who continue to face the ongoing threat of hatred and violence. Let this indictment send a clear message to those living in fear for who they are: public safety does not discriminate, and every New Yorker deserves to feel safe at home.”
Additionally, recent reports indicated that New York State police have charged five individuals with second-degree murder in a separate case involving the abuse and death of a transgender person.
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