HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. – A Michigan woman was found dead behind a laundromat, and now a teenager has pleaded guilty in her case.
Christina Hayes, 28, was found dead behind a laundromat in the 17600 block of Woodward Avenue on June 21, 2025, at around 3 p.m. with injuries to her face and neck.
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Malique Javon Fails, 18, of Highland Park, was charged in connection with her murder.
Fails is accused of assaulting Hayes and robbing her of money and her phone before leaving the scene at around 4:30 a.m. on June 21.
Fails was arrested on Aug. 15 and was charged with felony murder, larceny from a person and a hate crime.
“This case represents a continuing pattern of vicious attacks and murders on trans women of color. Every single citizen of Wayne County has the right to lead their lives and be safe. We will bring the alleged murderer of Christina Hayes to justice,” said Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy when announcing Fails’ charges in August 2025.
On March 2, 2026, as part of a plea deal, Fails pleaded guilty to hate crime using force, causing bodily injury, stalking or damaging property and second-degree murder. All other charges, including first-degree murder, were dismissed, according to court records.
He is expected to be sentenced on March 24 at 11:30 a.m.