The petition asks that authorities change the charge to first-degree murder and that violence against the transgender community have harsher consequences.

Investigators say Sam Nordquist experienced prolonged physical and psychological abuse. On Friday a prayer vigil was held for him in St. Paul.

Authorities say Nordquist died following repeated acts of violence and torture for more than a month by multiple people.

There was much pain and heartbreak throughout the transgender community and their allies during a vigil on Friday evening in ...