Family of transgender woman murdered in Denton demands accountability for her death – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

The family of a murdered transgender woman says they still have no answers about the circumstances of her death or the identity of the person responsible, weeks after her death.

According to Denton police, 20-year-old Dylan Gurley was found dead on Holland Lane in late July.

Erin Mendiola told NBC 5 that her daughter spent her early years as a boy in Little Elm.

Eventually, Dylan Gurley told her family that she identified as transgender.

“We watched her grow from an uncomfortable child into a confident person,” Mendiola said.

During her gender transition, Gurley began using the pronouns “she”/”her.”

Her mother said Gurley was doing well, had been in a bad relationship and had most recently been living in a home.

On July 23, her family received a call from one of Gurley's friends informing them that Gurley had been found dead.

“It was really traumatic for me because I didn't even have confirmation that it was her until I went there and said I need to know immediately if this is my child or not,” Mendiola said.

Denton police said Gurley was found unconscious in an abandoned house on Holland Drive. The Tarrant County Coroner's Office ruled her death a homicide by blunt force, sharp force trauma and strangulation.

“It's just senseless, the anger and rage behind it,” Mendiola said. “I just wish things could be different, that she had a chance to live her life.”

Weeks after Gurley's death, the family told NBC 5 they were disturbed that no arrest had been made in the case.

They believed the murder was motivated by Gurley's gender identity.

“I'm angry, I want answers and I want to know why the world has to be like this,” Mendiola said. “I mean, she didn't harass anyone.”

NBC 5 reached out to Denton police to ask if any suspects had been identified and if the department was investigating the case as a hate crime.

“No arrests have been made,” a department spokesperson said in response. “It is important to maintain the integrity of the investigation, so we cannot release any further details about suspects or cases at this time.”

“Investigators are examining the case from every angle, including whether the crime was motivated by hate or prejudice,” Denton police continued.

Family and LGBTQ activists will soon hold a memorial service for Gurley to honor her life and demand answers about her death.

“We can't hold anyone accountable for this,” Mendiola said. “And that's my point: I want someone to be held accountable.”

Gurley's memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 17th at 12:00 p.m. at the Little Elm Rec Center.