Highland Park Man Charged in Homicide of Transgender Woman
Published on August 18, 2025
Prosecutor Kym Worthy has charged Malique Javon Fails, 18, of Highland Park, in connection with the homicide of Christina Hayes, 28, of Taylor, a transgender woman of color.
On June 21, 2025, at approximately 3:00 p.m., Detroit police officers were dispatched to a laundromat in the 17600 block of Woodward Avenue for a reported dead person observed. Upon their arrival, officers located the victim in the alley behind the building, deceased, suffering from injuries to her face and neck.
It is alleged that on June 21, 2025, at approximately 4:30 a.m., Defendant Fails fatally assaulted Ms. Hayes and robbed the victim of her money and cellphone, before fleeing the scene. Investigation by the Detroit Police Department led to the arrest of the defendant on August 15, 2025. More specific facts and evidence will be placed on the record in court at the preliminary examination.
Malique Javon Fails has been charged with Felony Murder, Larceny from the Person, and Hate Crime – Gender Identity Bias.*
“This case represents a continuing pattern of vicious attacks and murders on trans women of color. Every single citizen of Wayne County has the right to lead their lives and be safe. We will bring the alleged murderer of Christina Hayes to justice,” said Prosecutor Kym Worthy.
He was arraigned and remanded to jail this morning in 36th District Court before Magistrate Joseph Boyer. The Probable Cause Conference is scheduled for August 26, 2025, and the Preliminary Examination is scheduled for September 2, 2025.
Please request a photograph of the defendant from the Detroit Police Department.
*The charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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