SC trans woman shot, killed at Augusta hotel, family sends powerful message

RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WACH) — One Midlands family wants to spread a message they find very important to the community:No one deserves to be killed for who they are.

Days after 26-year-old Keshia Geter, of Eastover, South Carolina, was found shot to death at the Knights Inn Hotel on Boy Scout Road in Augusta, GA, her family is raising awareness to the legacy she leaves behind.

“Shined bright like a diamond. Always made me laugh. My best friend, we talked all the time," said Keshia's mother, Michelle Jordan. "A beautiful spirit. Loving, kind, wonderful, beautiful. Helped everybody. Would give the shirt off her back."

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Richmond County deputies say Geter, who was born Renqual Geter, died July 20.

The Richmond County Sheriff's Office responded to the Knights Inn on Boy Scout Road after reports of an unresponsive person at 10:28 a.m. on July 20. That person was Geter, who had been shot at least once, according to officials.

"This senseless killing doesn’t make sense," Jordan added.

On July 21, the Richmond County Sheriff's Office arrested Jaquarie Allen, 22, in connection with the murder of Geter.

Allen is being charged with murder, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime in connection with Geter’s death.

Geter’s passing is another devastating loss for her tight-knit family. Shante Bethel is Geter’s cousin. She was already grappling with losing her 18-year-old son Carlos Bethel to gun violence in August 2019. Bethel opened Fab'Los Boutique at Dutch Square Center, and published "PUSH: Pray Until Something Happens" through the Pain of Losing Los'" to cope with the tragedies.

“It’s another blow for our family. It’s hard. No parent should have to bury their child," said Bethel.

Since no motive has been released in Geter’s death, investigators haven’t determined if this is a hate crime or not. However, LGBTQ community leaders like Colleen Condon of the Alliance For Full Acceptance South Carolina says it demonstrates why passing a hate crime law should be a top priority after it failed to pass in SC in the 2022 General Assembly.

“We find that transgender women of color are the most attacked across the country,” said Condon. “We need to make sure that each of these crimes is addressed with the severity and seriousness it deserves.”

Officials say additional charges on Allen may be forthcoming.

Geter’s family spearheaded a local “transgender lives matter” movement to promote love and acceptance in the wake of Geter’s tragic passing.

“She used to say mom, I’m going to be famous one day. She was such a kind spirit and would give the shirt off her back," Jordan went on to say. “You couldn’t help but love her. Ain’t hurt nobody. Loved everybody. For parents that don't accept your child, you're pushing them out. It doesn’t matter how it looks, you should love your child."

Funeral arrangements for Geter are still being finalized.

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