Men Wanted for Attacking Transgender Woman in Los Angeles

Suspects used skateboard, pepper spray, and unknown liquid in multiple assaults

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A 62-year-old transgender woman in Los Angeles, Sabrina de la Peña, has been the victim of a series of attacks by multiple suspects, including being beaten with a skateboard, pepper-sprayed, and doused with an unknown liquid. The Los Angeles Police Department has identified one suspect, Paul Alan Thomas, 24, and is searching for him and another unidentified suspect. The attacks are being investigated as hate crimes.

Why it matters

The attacks on Sabrina de la Peña highlight the ongoing issue of violence and discrimination faced by transgender individuals, particularly transgender women of color. This case raises concerns about public safety and the need for stronger protections and support for vulnerable members of the community.

The details

According to police, the trouble began in April 2025 when one of the suspects tried to flirt with de la Peña in her convenience store, but left after she rebuffed his advances. The man later returned the same day, sexually assaulted de la Peña, and threatened to kill her when he learned she was transgender. In the following months, de la Peña was attacked multiple times, including being beaten with a skateboard, pepper-sprayed, and doused with an unknown liquid. During one incident, an attacker tried to shoot her twice, but the gun misfired. The LAPD has identified one suspect, Paul Alan Thomas, 24, and is searching for him and another unidentified suspect. The attacks are being investigated as hate crimes.

  • The first attack occurred in April 2025 after one of the suspects tried to flirt with the victim in her store.
  • On May 27, 2025, the LAPD arrested Samuel Parros, 30, for allegedly taking part in one of the prior attacks.
  • The latest alleged attack came on May 31, 2025.

The players

Sabrina de la Peña

A 62-year-old transgender woman who owns two convenience stores in the Westlake District of Los Angeles and has been the victim of a series of attacks.

Paul Alan Thomas

A 24-year-old man who is wanted by the LAPD in connection with the attacks on de la Peña.

Samuel Parros

A 30-year-old man who was arrested by the LAPD for allegedly taking part in one of the prior attacks on de la Peña.

Jim McDonnell

The LAPD Chief who previously stated that the series of attacks is being investigated as a hate crime.

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What they’re saying

“Believe me. When are you going to do something for me? What are you waiting for? You're waiting for them to kill me.”

— Sabrina de la Peña (KTLA)

“This series [of attacks] is being investigated as a hate crime. We're requesting public assistance in locating these suspects, and we're asking for their assistance in identifying and apprehending the suspects.”

— Jim McDonnell, LAPD Chief (CBS News Los Angeles)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Paul Alan Thomas out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing threat of violence and discrimination faced by transgender individuals, particularly transgender women of color, and the urgent need for stronger protections and support for vulnerable members of the community.