Arrest made in 15-year-old murder of trans performer after mysterious apartment fire in NYC.

In the quiet neighborhood of Bushwick, Brooklyn, memories of a vibrant life were starkly juxtaposed against a backdrop of tragedy. On May 12, 2012, 25-year-old Lorelise Escalera Ferrer—better known by her stage name, Lorena Xtravaganza—was found dead in her own bed as flames engulfed her apartment in a horrific fire. For over a decade, the case remained a haunting mystery, a thread left dangling in the lives of family, friends, and a community that cherished her as a fierce performer within the renowned House of Xtravaganza.

Fifteen years later, on a chilly Friday in February 2025, that thread snapped back into focus with the arrest of 44-year-old Henry Pacheco. As the Brooklyn District Attorney announced, Pacheco was charged with second-degree murder and arson, accused of taking Ferrer’s life before setting her apartment ablaze, a methodical act of cruelty that investigators now believe was designed to cover up his crime. In a detailed indictment, authorities suggest that this was no random act of violence; it was a calculated assault against a person who dared to express her identity in a world that often turned a blind eye to violence faced by the LGBTQIA+ community.

The night of the tragedy began with a series of phone calls. Investigators revealed that Pacheco had repeatedly contacted Ferrer prior to the fire. Surveillance footage captured him entering her building around 2:20 a.m. and leaving over an hour later, moments before smoke began to billow from the apartment. The Medical Examiner concluded that Ferrer had indeed died before the flames took hold, a grim reminder of the deadly intentions that lurked that night. Authorities clarified that the fire was set purposefully, further underscoring the brutality of this homicide.

“This was a beloved member of our community, and her horrific murder devastated not just her family and friends but the entire neighborhood,” a spokesperson for the House of Xtravaganza remarked, emphasizing the profound loss felt across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. “Lorena was not just a performer; she was a powerful force leaving an indelible impact that will be felt forever,” they added, encapsulating the spirit of a woman whose dreams collided tragically with violence.

The case broke open nearly a decade later, thanks to an extensive investigation that pieced together the events leading to Ferrer’s death. Investigators analyzed phone records and surveillance video, revealing a pattern that suggested Pacheco’s involvement was far from coincidental. As the timeline unfolded, it became clear that the system of justice was inching towards accountability, sending a message that crimes against marginalized individuals would not go unnoticed nor unpunished.

As the news reverberated around the community, even the NYPD Commissioner weighed in, stating, “Let this indictment send a clear message to those living in fear for who they are: public safety does not discriminate, and every New Yorker deserves to feel safe at home.” His words echoed through the streets of a neighborhood that has often been a refuge yet is still touched by the shadows of hate and violence.

Pacheco, who is currently being held without bail, is expected to make his next court appearance soon. While the legal proceedings unfold, the echoes of Ferrer’s vibrant life continue to ripple through the community, serving as both a solemn reminder of the past and a rallying cry for future justice.

As the case develops, advocates for the LGBTQIA+ community remain hopeful; they underline the importance of addressing violence against transgender individuals, who disproportionately face such heinous acts. With each new development, they seek to honor Ferrer’s memory, ensuring that her story and those like it contribute to a larger narrative demanding justice, acceptance, and safety for all.