Posted at 7:29 PM, Feb 08, 2023
and last updated 7:29 PM, Feb 08, 2023

OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — A well-known Omaha woman was hospitalized Monday after what friends are calling a brutal attack that left her unable to move.

A police report lists it as a robbery offense and gives little information, but mentions a "possible assault" and "possible fall." It lists a robbery offense, a suspect and a hate/bias status code that means "unknown." It said she had extensive injuries to the neck and spine and said her cell phone and keys were missing. Police said further information is not available because the investigation is ongoing.

A friend adds in an online post that Karma's car was stolen but was later found. It also states a man was spotted in her apartment before cops arrived. They said Karma was "left for dead in a snow pile in the back lot of her place of employment downtown."

"I think that there was a deeper motivation (than robbery)," said friend Eli Rigatuso. Karma is a transgender woman. "I think that ... as a trans woman, especially a trans woman of color walking around out in the world today is a huge risk ... Black, brown, trans women are being murdered at the highest rates across the nation."

more...https://www.3newsnow.com/news/local-news/friends-say-omaha-trans-woman-was-left-for-dead-after-attack

From the Her Go Fund Me page:

https://gofund.me/39ee6c09

Yesterday my Drag Mother and close friend Karma Lilola (Alejandro Bustillos) was viciously attacked and left for dead in a snow pile in the back lot of her place of employment downtown(*update* her coworkers are the ones who found her and called the ambulance). Her car was stolen (*update* has been found) her bag keys and phone we stolen. The last location of her phone was at 619 S 19th ave according to GPS. There was a man in her apartment (Skinner Macaroni Lofts) when Seth and I arrived (he left before cops arrived). *see my Instagram post for [email redacted]el*

Karma went into surgery at last night to fix vertebrae C3-C6. She is currently paralyzed from the neck down. Heavy defensive wound on her hands and legs. Signs of blunt force trauma to the head. She is stable, responsive and trying to communicate through nods and blinks. We don't know if she will make a full recovery but we are optimistic.
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Updates
Today by Saraya Vogel, Organizer
Hey y'all! Thank you all so much for your support! Karma is awake. They removed the breathing tube but she is still on oxygen because her diaphragm is weak. She is talking. Still no change in her paralysis. She's had many friends come to visit her. She appreciates all the love.

Channel 3 News did an interview yesterday with our friend Eli Rigatuso that can be found on their website. The cops are actively looking for the perp. There is an arrest warrant out for him. The guy that was found in the apartment is in custody.

There will be several events coming up to help continue to support her. So keep your eyes peeled and I'll do my best to keep everyone updated.

*quick note* all of the funds from GoFundMe are going directly to her brother Ricardo to cover her bills and other expenses.