Transgender Woman Charged With Murder in Chicago Stabbing

A 32-year-old transgender woman, Kelly Day, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the stabbing death of 50-year-old Larry Young in Chicago on Wednesday evening.

According to police and court documents, Day allegedly stabbed Young 13 times, with the tip of the knife breaking off and lodging in his skull. Assistant State's Attorney Sara Grgurovic stated that Day told her wife she would not let "bullies" get away with laughing about her gender. She also allegedly told her wife she had to "stand up to bullies."

Officials said the incident occurred after Day, accompanied by her wife and stepson, was approached by Young. He reportedly began making comments about her gender. Day became "extremely angry" as her wife attempted to restrain her. Young then allegedly shoved Day and walked toward a Clark gas station.

Day followed Young across the street, and a physical altercation ensued. Security camera footage reportedly captured Day wielding the knife and stabbing Young repeatedly while he lay on the ground.

In a statement to investigators, Day claimed self-defense, alleging that Young had called her a homophobic slur, made a gun gesture with his hand, and threatened her and her family.

Following the attack, Day called 911, initially stating she was injured and had been defending herself from a "pervert." She reported leaving the scene. She later made another emergency call, claiming she had cut herself while cooking. She was arrested at a hospital while receiving treatment for a finger wound.

Authorities recovered the discarded knife, noting a piece of the blade was missing. This piece was found lodged in Young's skull, according to prosecutors and the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office.

A judge has ruled that Day will remain in custody pending trial, citing the brutality of the attack.

Chicago has seen a decrease in murders this year compared to the same period in 2025. Through October 4, the city recorded 328 murders, a four percent decrease from 341 during the same timeframe last year, according to the Chicago Police Department. Overall crime complaints are also down two percent year-over-year, with significant drops in robberies and shootings.