Detroit Man Charged in Transgender Teen's Murder

DETROIT (WJBK) - There is new information about what's really behind the murder of a transgender teen whose body was found dismembered and set on fire more than a month ago. FOX 2 has learned Michele Hilliard was actually an informant for the Madison Heights Police, and now investigators believe she may have given a tip that cost the teen her life.

Thanks to the Detroit Police, her alleged killer now sits behind bars. Due to the victim's sexuality at first, some suspcted that this may have been a hate crime, but now we're learning the motive behind this murder was likely retaliation.

"It's hard. Her birthday just passed December fifth. She [would have] been 20 years old," said Lyniece Nelson.

Every day is a struggle as she mourns the death of her daughter, Michele Hilliard, a transgendered teen also known as Henry. Then came word her alleged killer has been caught.

"I'm ecstatic. Some families have to wait years or they never know who did the horrible thing to their child. It's tragic," Nelson told us.

Sources say it started back in October. Facing jailtime, Hilliard agreed to take part in a drug sting for Madison Heights Police. The deal went down and officers arrested their man -- Qasim Raqib.

Raqib allegedly knew right away it was Hilliard who set him up. He posted bond and reportedly wanted revenge.

He allegedly bought a cell phone and lured her to an address on Longfellow in Detroit . As FOX 2 first reported, it was a cab driver who dropped her off and stayed on the phone with Hilliard because she felt unsafe. He heard her cries for help, but by the time he made his way back, Hilliard and the man she met were gone. That was 1:30 in the morning on October 23rd. Three hours later a burned torso was discovered on Bewick near I-94.

Family hoped she was missing, but weeks later her body was identified and they learned of her vicous killing.

"It really hurts because everytime I look at her picture or something, I don't know what to do with that. It still hasn't hit me yet," said Brandie Brown, the victim's sister.

The cell phone was traced back to Raqib. He was arrested after police searched his Detroit home on Cedarhurst. Cadaver dogs picked up traces of human remains in the house and his Ford Expedition he just put into his girlfriend's name. Investigators believe that's where Hilliard was killed, but her body dismembered and burned in a house not far away that was torched that same night.

Qasim Raqib now sits behind bars charged with premeditated murder and mutilation of a body.

"We just very excited that they do have someone in custody," said Nelson. "God is working, so I know justice will be served."

The family is also pleased because they were told, in the case, the judge decided not to set bond.

 
Also See:

Body Found on Detroit's East Side ID'd as Missing Trangender Teen