SAN FRANCISCO, CA — On September 9, 2017, just before 3 A.M., bullets cut down Anthony “Bubbles” Torres, a beloved DJ, live performer, and transgender activist.

For reasons that remain unknown, an assailant shot Bubbles multiple times near a nightclub in the Tenderloin district. Rescue efforts were attempted, but Bubbles died shortly thereafter at a nearby hospital. From there, the grief spread fast and deep around San Francisco’s LGBTQ community.

In January 2018, authorities identified Hieu Trung Nguyen as their prime suspect. The 31-year-old San Francisco resident is wanted for murder, and his bail is set at $15 million.

The shooter’s motive remains a mystery. Authorities have not officially determined the killing to be a hate crime, but numerous friends and loved ones believe Bubbles may have been targeted for being transgender.

In the meantime, while Nguyen remains at large, those who knew Bubbles continue to mourn.

Liza Murawski, who lives in the Tenderlon, seemed to speak for many when she said, “Every time you passed him it was like walking through a rainbow. He was magical."

David Lewis, another friend of Bubbles’, said he was glad to know a suspect had been named, but tearfully added that he remained shaken to the core by the murder, stating, "So upsetting. It's just so upsetting. It was a terrible thing, he was — the guy was amazing."

TRAITS & CHARACTERISTICS:

• Weight: 190 pounds
• Height: 6 feet
• Sex: Male
• Race: Asian
• Hair: Black
• Eyes: Brown
• Age: Early 30s
• Wanted for: Murder
• Location: San Francisco, CA

If you know anything about this case, please contact our hotline (833-3-PURSUE) or submit a tip online.

For more on this case, watch the “Murder in Appalachia” episode of In Pursuit With John Walsh on Wednesday, March 27 at 10/9c on Investigation Discovery! Or catch up on ID GO.

Read more: San Francisco Examiner, San Francisco Gate, KGO, KTVU