Three Arrested in Palm Springs Hate Crime Assault on Transgender Woman

Palm Springs, CA – Three New York state residents were arrested on suspicion of battery and a hate crime after allegedly assaulting a transgender woman in Palm Springs early Saturday morning, authorities said.

According to the Palm Springs Police Department (PSPD), officers responded around 1:15 a.m. to reports of a physical altercation near a parking structure on South Indian Canyon Drive. The incident began as a family dispute involving Diana Wheeler, 37, Jonathan Wheeler, 35, and Jack Rafael, 37.

Police reported that Jonathan Wheeler and Rafael attempted to escort an intoxicated female relative into a vehicle, but she resisted. Two bystanders intervened, believing the woman was being assaulted. The suspects then allegedly turned on the bystanders, physically attacking them and using derogatory language directed at one of the women, who is transgender.

The transgender victim suffered moderate injuries and was transported to a hospital for evaluation. Officers arrested Diana Wheeler and Jonathan Wheeler at the scene, while Rafael initially fled but was later located and arrested at a residence in Cathedral City.

All three suspects were booked at the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio with bail set at $10,000 each. The Wheeler siblings have since posted bail, while Rafael remained in custody as of Saturday afternoon, according to inmate records.

In a statement, PSPD reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring public safety and inclusivity. “Acts of violence and discrimination have no place in our city, and we will continue to take decisive action to hold offenders accountable,” police said.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are urging witnesses to come forward with any additional information.