Story perspectives

Man Charged with Second-Degree Murder of Trans Activist

5/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Jonathan Fernandez, the suspect, was charged with second-degree murder and illegal weapon possession after stabbing his girlfriend Eryka Caldwell.
Eryka Caldwell, a 41-year-old transgender activist, was found dead in her Bushwick apartment.
Police entered through a window after the front door was blocked, discovering Eryka Caldwell’s stab wounds in the kitchen.
Officers located Jonathan Fernandez on the couch, recording his 24 prior arrests, the latest a 2024 Bronx assault.

History

Historical Context

Matthew Shepard’s 1998 murder in Wyoming sparked a national push that led Congress to adopt the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, passing the House 249-175 in 2009 and signed by President Barack Obama. The 2024 Bronx arrest of Jonathan Fernandez for killing transgender activist Eryka Caldwell revives that same fight to expand hate-crime protections.

1 of 2

Story summary

Jonathan Fernandez, the suspect, was charged with second-degree murder and illegal weapon possession after stabbing his girlfriend Eryka Caldwell.
Eryka Caldwell, a 41-year-old transgender activist, was found dead in her Bushwick apartment.
Police entered through a window after the front door was blocked, discovering Eryka Caldwell’s stab wounds in the kitchen.
Officers located Jonathan Fernandez on the couch, recording his 24 prior arrests, the latest a 2024 Bronx assault.

1 / 2