Project Overview
The Murder of Poe Black is a feature-length documentary currently in development, exploring the 2021 unsolved murder of Poe Black—a 21-year-old transgender man whose body was found in a canal near Slab City, California. Through the lens of forensic psychology, trauma-informed investigation, and trans-led storytelling, the film seeks to uncover what happened to Poe while restoring his humanity and identity in a system that erased both.

Current Investigation & Research
The project follows my ongoing independent investigation, which has included extensive interviews with Poe’s mother, close friends, and members of the Slab City community, as well as the collection of firsthand evidence, public records, and digital communications. The film will trace not only the case itself, but also the broader landscape of systemic neglect that leaves trans victims without justice and their families without closure.

Visual Style & Storytelling Approach
Visually, it will blend vérité interviews, archival footage, and immersive cinematography that captures the stark, surreal environment of Slab City, a community on the edge of society where utopian ideals and survivalist realities collide. The tone will merge the investigative precision of I’ll Be Gone in the Dark with the emotional depth and cultural awareness of Disclosure.

Next Steps & Field Filming
Currently in the research and development stage, the project’s next phase will include field filming in California, Tennessee, and Washington State to document key witnesses and potential persons of interest. The completed film will be presented as a feature documentary intended for film festivals, streaming distribution, and educational screenings that promote dialogue about trans violence, media ethics, and restorative justice.

About the Filmmaker
Dr. TJ Payne is a writer, forensic psychology researcher, and investigative storyteller whose work bridges social justice, queer identity, and criminal investigation. He holds a PhD in Psychology, Public Policy & Law, focusing on juror bias and gender-based defenses, and have presented nationally on trauma-informed approaches to justice and victimology.

Background & Expertise
As an investigative writer, Dr. Payne has contributed to cold case research and produced narrative nonfiction exploring trans identity, violence, and systemic neglect. Their writing has appeared in multiple literary publications and most recently in the WITCH Anthology from Dopamine Books, edited by Michelle Tea. Payne also authors Personally Curious, a Substack blending true crime analysis, forensic psychology, and memoir.

Community Engagement & Values
Dr. Payne has led public workshops on victimology and cold case investigations, and collaborated with community organizations to bring trauma-informed investigative frameworks into creative media. His background in both behavioral science and storytelling informs The Murder of Poe Black, a project rooted in empathy, accuracy, and accountability toward marginalized communities.