South Bay man sentenced in murder of trans drag performer

  • by John Ferrannini, Assistant Editor
  • Tuesday January 28, 2025
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Natalia Smüt Lopez. Photo: Courtesy Mothers Against Murder
Natalia Smüt Lopez. Photo: Courtesy Mothers Against Murder

A Milpitas man has been sentenced by a jury in the 2021 murder of a transgender drag performer. He received 15 years to life for the 2021 killing.

Elijah Cruz Segura, 25, was found guilty in October in what is believed to be the first prosecution of a transgender domestic violence homicide in Santa Clara County's history, as the Bay Area Reporter previously reported. Segura had been accused of the 2021 murder of drag performer Natalia Smüt Lopez, 24, of San Jose, with whom he'd been in a relationship.

Segura was sentenced to 15 years to life imprisonment January 27, according to Rebekah Wise, a deputy district attorney with the Santa Clara County District Attorney's office, who prosecuted the case.

"Natalia was in a domestic violence relationship with the defendant that ended with the ultimate crime," Wise said in a phone interview. "She was a member of the trans community as a trans woman herself. Our office is dedicated to getting justice for any member of the trans community subject to violence and anyone in a relationship where they are subject to violence. Our hearts are with Natalia's family as they continue to heal."

Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen issued a statement January 28.

"We should never forget that a vulnerable member of our community was abused and killed," Rosen stated. "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."

Segura's attorney Daniel Portman, a deputy public defender with the Santa Clara County Public Defender's office, stressed in a statement to the B.A.R. January 29 that his client was not prosecuted with a hate crime.

"The prosecution and defense agreed that this crime, while tragic, was not motivated by anti-trans bias and the jury was told that," Portman stated in an email. "Mr. Segura is extremely remorseful and offered to take responsibility for his actions before trial. He offered to plead guilty to second-degree murder, which is what the jury ultimately convicted him of. At the sentencing hearing, Mr. Segura apologized to Ms. Smüt's family and friends for the pain he caused."

Prosecutors said that Segura had been dating Lopez and stabbed her to death the morning of April 23, 2021. Segura had called 911 around 2:30 a.m., and officers responding at a residence in Milpitas found Lopez with multiple stab wounds. Segura had visible blood on both of his hands and was arrested at the scene. Lopez was pronounced dead at a hospital.

Lopez's death sent shockwaves through San Jose's queer community, as the B.A.R. reported contemporaneously. She is featured on a mural at Splash Video Dance Bar, at the corner of Lightston Alley and Post Street, in San Jose's Qmunity District, the LGBTQ neighborhood downtown.

Jason Sholl, chief marketing officer for Silicon Valley Pride, stated to the B.A.R. January 27 that, "Natalia's vibrant memory reminds us of the strength and beauty within our community and inspires us to create a future where everyone can live authentically, safely, and with dignity."

"Silicon Valley Pride grieves the tragic loss of Natalia Smüt Lopez, a cherished member of our 2SLGBTQIA+ community whose life was cut short far too soon," Sholl stated. "Her murder highlights the pervasive violence faced by transgender individuals, particularly transgender women of color, and underscores the urgent need for safer and more inclusive communities. While we celebrate justice in her case, achieving lasting change demands sustained advocacy, inclusive education, and comprehensive support to combat systemic violence and inequality."

A GoFundMe set up in 2021 for Lopez's family raised $14,566 of a $22,500 goal (there has not been a donation in two years).

The GoFundMe was organized by Lopez's friend, Kiara Ohlde, who didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

"Natalia was ... so young and so full of life! She was fabulous," the GoFundMe states. "She would step into a room like a firework. Everywhere she went, she brought energy, fierce looks, and a personality that shined bright like a diamond.

"Her beautiful soul and presence is no longer here on Earth with us anymore but she is forever in our hearts. If anyone can find it in their heart to donate to help support the family, we would appreciate it so much as this was so sudden. Honestly, anything helps. Thank you," the fundraising page states.

The Qmunity District didn't return a request for comment January 27.

Updated, 1/29/25: This article has been updated with comments from Mr. Segura's attorney.

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