Dantijer Dominick Powell, 19, of SanBernadino, CA had a hearing yesterday in the case of the murder of transwoman Fontana resident Domonique Newburn in 2013.
Powell has been held without bail since his arrest in Springfield, MO in February and extradition to California. Newburn, an actress who appeared in the web reality series Hollywood Houseboys about four gay friends trying to make it in the entertainment business, also had her car and other items stolen. Her Black Mercedes Benz was found abandoned at Perris Hill Park.
There’s a possibility Powell and Newburn were involved in a relationship of some sort.Police also said they were looking in the possibility that Newburn was involved in the sex trade...I guess in an attempt to paint the murder as justified.--Police Spokesman Doug Imhof, at the time of the killing
Lots of transgendered people turn to the sex trades during their transition. Sometimes it’s the only job they can get.Jamie Nicole Cotton, 26, of Highland, is charged as an accessory in the murder for helping Powell flee prosecution.--transwoman, Tara Wallace, 26, at the vigil outside Newburn's apartment in the days after the murder