Maya Young, 25, was stabbed to death in Philadelphia on Saturday night .

The victim (pictured) was found lying on the highway with multiple stab wounds to the neck and chest at 11:50PM Saturday, February 22. Police took her to Aria Health-Frankford Campus nearby, where she was pronounced dead at 12:21AM.

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward with any information.

Nellie Fitzpatrick, director of the Mayor’s Office of LGBT Affairs, said, “My heart is with her sister, family, friends, and community.” Adding, “We must work harder as a city, state, nation, and society” to protect trans people.

Friends of the victim described her as a dreamer. “She loved people and she loved being around people… she was loved, and she will be sorely missed,” he said.

Last year, Young was sentenced to six to 12 months in prison for prostitution. She had previously served probation for the same charge.

At least 21 transgender people of colour were killed in the United States last year. According to Human Rights Campaign, this is the highest annual total on record.