In a case that marks a grim milestone for Santa Clara County, Elijah Cruz Segura, 26, has been given a 15-to-life prison term for the murder of his transgender partner, drag queen Natalia Smut, in what is believed to be the county's first prosecuted transgender domestic violence homicide.
This sentencing comes after Segura was found guilty last year for the 2021 stabbing death of Smut, and the trial was closely followed for highlighting the risks faced by members of the transgender community, specifically transgender women of color. District Attorney Jeff Rosen expressed hopes that this sentence will offer some peace to Smut’s loved ones and stressed the importance of seeking help in abusive relationships. He acknowledged that though a long sentence has been passed, it does not undo the harrowing loss felt by the community, as he stated, as per the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office.
According to details from the Bay Area Reporter, Segura's relationship with Smut was marred by domestic violence, which culminated in her death on April 23, 2021, after which Segura called 911 and was later arrested by Milpitas police, who discovered Smut with multiple stab wounds. He had visible blood on his hands when found.
