Charges filed in alleged transgender hate crime; 1 suspect still on the loose

Artega Jackson is one of two suspects allegedly responsible for a hate crime. The Other, Marjorie Marple, is still on the loose.



SEATTLE -- Police are looking for one of two women charged with a hate crime for allegedly shouting transphobic and homophobic slurs while beating a woman last month, Seattle police said.

Artega Jackson and Marjorie Marple each face one count of Malicious Harassment for allegedly beating up a woman who was taking photographs of garbage near her apartment on June 11. Jackson is in custody, but police are currently looking for Marple and have a warrant out for her arrest.

According to Seattle police, the victim was outside her home near the intersection of 3rd Avenue and Virginia Street around 2 a.m. in the morning of June 11 photographing garbage that she said was frequently left by transients in the area.

While shooting photos, the victim told police, a woman approached her and "challenged" her. The victim attempted to back way, but the woman -- later identified as Jackson -- punched her several times in the back of the head.

The victim ran from Jackson but was stopped by a white female -- later identified as Marple -- who yelled a homophobic slur and kicked her. Both suspects allegedly kicked and pushed the victim, managing to pull a wig off her head. Once this happened, police said, both suspects started calling the female victim a man and yelling transphobic slurs as they beat her to the ground.

Police said the victim was able to finally escape the beating and run back into her apartment. She called police, who viewed footage of the attack the victim had taken on her cellphone.

Police contacted Jackson on June 18 and she was arrested. Jackson told police she beat the woman because she took pictures of her and spit on her and Marple.

Jackson is currently in King County Jail on a $50,000 bond. She is slated to be arraigned July 21.

Both Jackson and Marple have extensive criminal histories, including felony assault, trespassing and armed robbery.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Marple is encouraged to call 911.