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Man convicted of trans partner murder; County’s first prosecuted case of a transgender DV homicide

For release on October 16, 2024 

CONTACT: 

Rebekah Wise 
Deputy District Attorney
Homicide Unit 
(408) 808-3752
[email protected]



Man convicted of trans partner murder; 
County’s first prosecuted case of a transgender DV homicide 

A jury today convicted a Milpitas man for the murder of his transgender partner.

Elijah Cruz Segura, 25, was found guilty of the 2021 stabbing slaying of Natalia Smut. It is believed to be the first prosecution of transgender domestic violence homicide in Santa Clara County. 

Segura will be sentenced in January 2025. He faces 16 years-to-life in prison.

District Attorney Jeff Rosen said that domestic violence against the transgender community is tragically underreported and misunderstood, much like all domestic violence was decades ago.

“Domestic violence of all kinds hides in the shadows of our community,” DA Rosen said. “We as a community will shine a light on it, fight against it, and work to help victims find empathy, safety, shelter, and justice.”

On April 23, 2021, at about 2:29 AM, Milpitas police officers responded to Hillview Court to find both the suspect and his victim who had been stabbed multiple times.

Evidence showed that the suspect fatally stabbed the victim. The suspect and victim had been dating for several months.

Natalia was a celebrated drag queen, and her killing caused pain and shockwaves throughout the Bay Area community.

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