Ohio man sentenced for killing beloved trans advocate Laura Schueler
Laura Schueler and her convicted killer Ajani Grimes (Image: Facebook/WKRC)
An Ohio man has been sentenced to 25 to 29 years in prison for the killing of beloved Cincinnati trans woman and LGBTQ+ advocate Laura Schueler.
Ajani Grimes, 19, accepted a plea deal for involuntary manslaughter on Tuesday (9 June) in connection with Schueler’s death, nearly one year after her body was discovered near her home in Cincinnati’s Evanston neighbourhood on 6 June 2025.
Prosecutors told the court that Grimes invited Schueler into his car before she attempted to flee, at which point he allegedly shot her in the back of the head and left her at the scene. Grimes was already out on bond for a previous armed robbery case at the time of the killing, as reported by WKRC.
Schueler’s Legacy
Following the sentencing, Schueler’s family and friends spoke emotionally about the devastating impact of her loss.
Her husband told WKRC that the sentence was not enough. Schueler’s best friend, Martez Meadows, accused Grimes of believing violence could hide the truth about his interactions with trans women, telling the court that “whatever you do behind closed doors is going to come to the light… The last thing I want to say is I hope you rot in hell.”
Those closest to Schueler said they hope her legacy will endure far beyond the courtroom. Her cousin, Geno Griffith, remembered her as a compassionate advocate who consistently showed up for others, particularly members of the LGBTQ+ community who felt unseen or unsupported. “Laura will never be forgotten by anyone who knew her,” Griffith said, describing her as a person who used her voice to uplift others and stand beside people when they needed support most.
The context of anti-trans violence
Schueler’s murder reflects the rise in violent attacks against and murders of trans people across the US in recent years. Transgender women of colour are known to suffer the highest levels of violence as they fall at the unfortunate intersection of transphobia and racism. Despite ongoing work by charities and advocacy groups, hostility continues to rise against LGBTQ+ people, particularly members of the trans community.
