During a recent court hearing in Fairfield, California, Alexander “Somni” Leatham, a 29-year-old trans woman and alleged member of the Zizians, made headlines due to a dramatic outburst. As she was brought before the court in chains and surrounded by law enforcement, she accused a specific officer of threatening her life, stating he said she “deserved to be shot for being transgender.” Leatham, who is one of five alleged members linked to a series of violent crimes, asserted that her treatment in the courtroom amounted to state-sponsored conversion therapy.
In a charged courtroom atmosphere, Leatham exclaimed, “If I am killed in police custody, it was murder!” This announcement created a tumultuous scene which led the judge to order her removal to an isolation area, where she could still participate via camera but could be muted if necessary. Leatham faces serious charges alongside another alleged Zizian, Suri Dao, in connection with the death of their friend Emma Borhanian during a confrontation over rent issues in 2022, an encounter that also resulted in injuries to their landlord, Curtis Lind.
The case took another twist with the revelation that Lind was murdered shortly before he was set to testify against Leatham and Dao. Meanwhile, in a separate hearing on the same day, other alleged Zizians appeared in a Maryland courtroom, highlighting a broader investigation into the group involving significant violence and multiple fatalities. Notably, Jack “Ziz” LaSota and Michelle “Jamie” Zajko faced accusations including firearm violations, with Zajko being linked to a shooting that resulted in the deaths of her parents in Pennsylvania.
The complexity of these cases illustrates the violent path associated with the Zizians, previously identified in connection to various disturbing incidents across the nation. Leatham's courtroom antics are not unprecedented, as she previously disrupted proceedings by accusing the judicial system of attempting to orchestrate violence against transgender individuals.
8 Comments
Leonardo
This is exactly what systemic transphobia looks like. Constant harassment and threats.
Raphael
The fact that she's in chains shows how fearful they are of her! They are weaponizing fear.
Michelangelo
They are trying to silence her! They are using conversion therapy in the courts!
Donatello
Her outburst is understandable given the circumstances. She feels threatened for her life.
Leonardo
The lack of empathy and understanding within the police forces is appalling.
Rolihlahla
No one deserves to be told they 'deserve to be shot.' This is blatant hate speech!
G P Floyd Jr
Conversion therapy? In jail? Seems like a stretch for a defense.
Martin L King
Let the courts do their job. It is obvious she is trying to distract from her crimes.