A Highland Park, Michigan, man has been charged with a hate crime in the murder of a transgender woman whose body was found behind a business in Detroit earlier this summer. 

Malique Javon Fails, 18, was arraigned Monday on felony murder, larceny from a person and hate crime with a gender bias, and remanded to jail. 

Detroit police responded to a laundromat in the 17600 block of Woodward Avenue around 3 p.m. on June 21 for a report of a dead person, Wayne County prosecutors said. 

When officers arrived at the laundromat, they found the deceased body of 28-year-old Christina Hayes of Taylor in an alley behind the building. Investigators say Hayes had sustained injuries to her neck and face. 

Prosecutors allege that around 4:30 a.m. on June 21, Fails assaulted Hayes and robbed her of her cellphone and money before leaving the area. 

"This case represents a continuing pattern of vicious attacks and murders on trans women of color. Every single citizen of Wayne County has the right to lead their lives and be safe. We will bring the alleged murderer of Christina Hayes to justice," said Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy in a statement.

Fails is scheduled back in court for a probable cause conference on Aug. 26. A preliminary examination will take place on Sept. 2.