Los Angeles police are continuing their search for a man accused of repeatedly assaulting a transgender woman in the Westlake neighborhood, a case authorities are investigating as a hate crime. Paul Alan Thomas, 24, is wanted for questioning in connection with a series of violent attacks against Sabrina De La Pena, 61, beginning in April 2025. The ongoing investigation highlights the vulnerability of transgender individuals to targeted violence and the challenges in bringing perpetrators to justice.
The attacks, which spanned several months, involved physical assault, sexual assault, and the use of weapons, leaving De La Pena with significant injuries and enduring emotional trauma. The case has drawn attention to the rising number of hate crimes targeting the LGBTQ+ community and the require for increased protection and support for transgender individuals. The Los Angeles Police Department is urging anyone with information regarding Thomas’s whereabouts to come forward.
Details of the Attacks and the Investigation
According to police reports and statements from De La Pena, the initial assault occurred on April 8, 2025, at De La Pena’s store in Westlake. A man allegedly entered the store, attempted to flirt with De La Pena, and then physically assaulted her after she rejected his advances. The situation escalated when the assailant discovered De La Pena was transgender, at which point he allegedly threatened to kill her. NBC Los Angeles reported that De La Pena described the initial attack as a terrifying ordeal.
The attacks did not end there. Police allege that Thomas returned with two other men, and together they continued to assault De La Pena on multiple occasions. These subsequent attacks involved being struck with a skateboard, pepper spray, and an unknown liquid substance. In one instance, an attempt was made to taser her, according to police. CBS News detailed De La Pena’s account of the repeated assaults, stating she received “more than 50 punches” during one incident. De La Pena told authorities she was attacked six times in a three-month span.
Authorities identified Samuel Parros as an accomplice and arrested him in June 2025, booking him on assault with a deadly weapon charges. However, the third suspect involved in the attacks remains unidentified. The investigation is being led by the LAPD Rampart Division Robbery Detectives.
The Victim’s Story and the Impact of the Violence
Sabrina De La Pena has owned businesses in the Westlake District for over 40 years and had never experienced such violence until these attacks. She described living in constant fear, stating, “In all my life, this is the first time someone beat my face,” as reported by NBC Los Angeles. The attacks have left her physically and emotionally scarred, and she has expressed concerns about her safety and the future of her business.
The case has resonated within the LGBTQ+ community and among advocates for transgender rights. The violence against De La Pena underscores the disproportionate risk of violence faced by transgender individuals, particularly transgender women of color. According to data from various advocacy groups, transgender people are significantly more likely to experience violence and discrimination than their cisgender counterparts. The Human Rights Campaign, for example, has documented a disturbing rise in anti-transgender violence in recent years.
The Investigation as a Hate Crime
The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the attacks as a hate crime, given the evidence suggesting the assailant’s animus towards De La Pena was motivated by her gender identity. Hate crimes are defined as criminal offenses motivated by bias against a victim’s race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics. Yahoo News reported that L.A. Police are likewise seeking to identify any additional victims who may have been targeted by Thomas or his accomplices.
The legal ramifications of a hate crime conviction are typically more severe than those for a similar offense without a hate crime enhancement. California law provides for increased penalties for crimes motivated by bias, reflecting the state’s commitment to protecting vulnerable communities from targeted violence. The investigation is ongoing, and prosecutors will ultimately determine whether to pursue hate crime charges against Thomas and his accomplices.
Seeking Public Assistance
The Los Angeles Police Department is actively seeking the public’s help in locating Paul Alan Thomas. Authorities have released images of the suspect and are urging anyone who recognizes him or has information about his whereabouts to contact the LAPD Rampart Division Robbery Detectives at 213-484-3495. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
The ongoing search for Thomas underscores the importance of community involvement in solving crimes and ensuring the safety of all residents. Law enforcement officials emphasize that even seemingly minor pieces of information can be crucial in bringing perpetrators to justice and preventing future acts of violence.
As of February 19, 2026, Paul Alan Thomas remains at large. The LAPD continues to actively pursue leads and encourages anyone with information to come forward. The next step in the investigation will likely involve further analysis of surveillance footage and continued efforts to locate and interview potential witnesses.
We encourage readers to share this article and any information they may have with the authorities. Your contribution, no matter how small, could be vital in bringing this case to a resolution and ensuring justice for Sabrina De La Pena.