Authorities in Michigan say the pastor of a Detroit area church is behind bars on suspicion of killing a transgender woman last week.

According to Fox News, 46-year-old Albert Weathers was arrested following the discovery of 36-year-old Kelly Stough’s body on a street in the city on Friday.

The Sterling Heights man is facing a charge of murder in connection with the deadly shooting.

According to a statement from the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, there is evidence that the victim’s gender identity played a role in the crime. Prosecutors say they plan to present that information at trial.

Stough’s mother told local reporters that the victim, whom she referred to as a male, was “always a happy kid but bullied because of his tendencies.”

She said the violent crime revealed her child’s attitude that you “keep fighting, keep pushing and live your life,” not letting “the world dictate how you should live.”

Court records indicate the suspect remained in jail with bond set at $1 million.

An online fundraiser was established to raise money to cover the victim’s funeral expenses.

“With a broken heart, and tears that just won’t stop is one of the most painful experiences imaginable,” the GoFundMe post states. “My family and I wanted to let everyone know that we lost our beloved Tristan (Kelly) to a senseless, cowardly act of hateful violence. Please keep my family in your prayers and cherish your loved ones.”

[Featured image: Albert Weathers, Detroit Police Department]