Union City Man Convicted of Murdering Trans Drag Artist Natalia Smüt

Elijah Cruz Segura found guilty in landmark transgender domestic violence case in Santa Clara County.

Natalia Smüt, a celebrated drag artist and trans woman, was killed in April 2021 in Milpitas.
Elijah Cruz Segura, Smüt's partner at the time, was convicted of second-degree murder.
This case marks the first prosecution of transgender domestic violence homicide in Santa Clara County.
Segura faces a sentence of 16 years to life in prison, with sentencing scheduled for January 2025.
The case highlighted the issue of domestic violence within the LGBTQ+ community and the use of anti-trans language.