Domonique Newburn Case: One Year Later

As Islan Nettles was lying in a New York hospital bed in a coma after the vicious transphobic attack on her, today was the day a year ago the national trans community discovered we'd  lost another one of our sisters.

31 year old Domonique Newburn had been found dead in her blood spattered Fontana, CA apartment after reports of a disturbance were relayed to the local police.  

Newburn starred in a 2010 YouTube reality TV series called Hollywood Houseboys about four trans and SGLl friends trying to make it in the entertainment industry.

The prime suspect, Dantjier Domenick Powell, allegedly dated Newburn for several years.   He was spotted loading items in Domonique's black Mercedes C240 that was later found abandoned at Perris Hill Park in San Bernadino, CA.

The now 19 year old Powell fled the state by bus along with now 26 year old Jaime Nicole Cotton.  That led to a $1 million arrest warrant with extradition back to California being issued for Powell and Cotton.  

Powell was eventually captured in Springfield, MO., charged with murder and extradited back to California to face the legal music in February.   He has been held at the Adelanto Detention Center without bail since then.  

A hearing was held on Monday, August 11 before Judge Michael R. Libutti, with the result of Powell’s case being sent to Superior Court Judge Shahla S. Sabet for further action.


Prosecutors have filed charges of accessory after the fact against Cotton.   She was aware of the heinous crime Powell committed and helped him flee the state of California to avoid prosecution.

Will be keeping you posted on the outcome of this case and hoping that at long last, Domonique receives justice.