Man gets 15-to-life for trans partner murder, County’s first prosecuted case of a transgender DV homicide

For release on January 28, 2025  

CONTACT: 

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

Man gets 15-to-life for trans partner murder,
County’s first prosecuted case of a transgender DV homicide 

Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Hanley Chew yesterday sentenced a Milpitas man to 15-years-to-life in prison for the murder of his transgender partner.

Late last year, Elijah Cruz Segura, 26, 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. 

District Attorney Jeff Rosen said he hoped the long sentence would bring some peace to all those who loved the beloved drag queen.  

“We should never forget that a vulnerable member of our community was abused and killed. A sentence, long or short, does not erase that. I urge anyone in an abusive relationship to seek help. You will find resources and respect in our county.”    

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.

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