Transgender woman attacked with hatchet now facing charges

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A transgender woman, Derrick Horton, who was attacked with a hatchet in a west Charlotte park has admitted that the assault was not random, police say.

Channel 9 reported the attack at Clanton Park earlier this week and reported on the arrests of Destiny Dagraca, Dajion Tanner and a 15-year-old juvenile.

(Dagraca and Tanner)

Authorities said the suspects committed an armed robbery against Horton, 24, known as Ralayzia, and cut her several times with a hatchet.

Detectives conducted an additional interview with Ralayzia and said she admitted that the assault was not a random act of violence. They also determined that Ralayzia had sexually assaulted the the 15-year-old before the attack.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police Lt. Tom Barry stopped short of saying that the sexual assault may have triggered the hatchet attack hours later.

"There's information that leads us to believe that there's potential drug activity involved, we're still putting those details together," Barry said.

She is charged with one count of statutory sex offense and one count of indecent liberties with a child. Ralayzia was arrested Thursday night in Cincinnati, Ohio where she was staying with relatives. The extradition process to bring her to Charlotte is underway.

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:

• Kuechly suffers possible concussion; Panthers hang on for win against Saints
• Wind gusts, bone dry conditions have mountain residents on edge
• Man in custody after hours-long SWAT situation in east Charlotte
• Guns reported stolen from Bass Pro Shops at Concord Mills
• HOW TO HELP: Donations needed as crews battle wildfires

Cox Media Group