Transgender woman dead after being assaulted, struck on U Street, police say

Authorities are investigating the death of a transgender woman they say was assaulted before being struck by a vehicle in front of Nellie's Sports Bar over the weekend in the District.

Officers say they were flagged down in the 900 block of U Street around 4:20 a.m. Saturday for a person in the roadway.

Investigators say they were told 30-year-old Anee Roberson of D.C. had been assaulted and ended up in the street before being struck by a passing vehicle. Police confirmed to FOX 5 that Roberson was a transgender woman. 

Police say the driver remained on the scene and was not involved in the assault. The driver of the vehicle is not facing charges, according to police. 

A medical examiner's autopsy ruled Roberson's death a homicide and the cause of death to be multiple blunt force injuries. Investigators are working to identify suspects in her assault, and are offering $25,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction. 

FOX 5 spoke with Roberson's father in Clinton, MD, who says she was very loved. 

Oluwaferanni Olarinde, a friend of Roberson, says she met Roberson when she was staying at an LGBTQ-friendly shelter where Roberson worked. 

"I want them to remember her for her zeal, her passion, and her consistency. How consistent she was with showing her face and making sure her energy was pure and lively," said Olarinde.

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