‘Armed and dangerous’ trans-identified biological male suspect sought for killing ‘boyfriend’ and brother

The description on Ruby Taverner, from reports in the New York Post to many other outlets, is that Taverner is a "Michigan woman," who police describe as "a thin, white woman with purple hair" who "stands at 5 feet 2 inches tall and weight 115 pounds."

Taverner is reported as being armed and dangerous. Only local news notes that Taverner is actually a biological male person who identifies as transgender, who was previously known as Martin, who is alleged to have murdered a biological female who also identified as transgender.

"At the scene, police discovered the bodies of Ruby Taverner's boyfriend, 26-year-old Ray Muscat of Independence Township, and her brother, 25-year-old Bishop Taverner of Oxford," the Post reported.

Despite the identifiers, this is a case of a male suspect murdering a female with whom the male was involved in a domestic relationship.

After Taverner killed brother Bishop along with Muscat, who reportedly had been known as Amber Muscat, police say Taverner fled the scene, leaving behind a cell phone, which was found among the dead. Taverner's car was also at the scene.

Taverner has three registered handguns, one of which "was purchased within the past week," according to police. It is unknown how long Muscat and Taverner were involved in a romantic relationship and cohabiting.

Police were called to the scene at the Independence Square Apartments in Oxford, Michigan, at 5901 Dixie Highway, after a neighbor heard gunshots after 3 am on Sunday morning.

Police have not assigned a motive for the killings, but said that Tavener should not be approached.

"Our Fugitive Apprehension Team, other Detectives and assets are actively looking for this homicide suspect who we believe is armed and dangerous," said Oakland Sheriff Michael Bouchard. "Please contact 911 if you see her or know of her whereabouts."

It may be helpful for those looking for Taverner, or merely on the lookout, to know that Taverner is a biological male and could appear to be male, therefore, with ease. Police and crime data analysts are routinely referring to suspects and criminals by their preferred gender as opposed to their biological sex, making distinctions between crimes committed by women and crimes committed by those who identify as women hard to differentiate.