Slain transgender woman starred in YouTube reality show
A transgender woman who was killed inside her Fontana apartment Tuesday once starred in a YouTube reality show about her lifestyle.
Domonique Newburn, 31, was found dead inside her apartment in the 7900 block of Bennett Avenue about 4:30 p.m. Tuesday after residents called police reporting a disturbance.
Witnesses reported seeing a shirtless man leave Newburn’s apartment before officers arrived, Fontana police said.
Authorities described him as in his late 20s or early 30s, 5-feet-8 with an average build and wearing blue jeans.
The man was seen leaving with clothes and a computer, KTLA reported. Witnesses said he drove off in Newburn’s black 2004 Mercedes C240 sedan with California license plate 7AAY925.
Newburn had her name changed from Daymond Watford in June 2010, San Bernardino County records show. A month later, she appeared under her stage name “Domonique Duffy” in the premiere episode of “Hollywood Houseboys,” a reality show focusing on a group of young, black gay men trying to make it big in L.A.
The show’s producer, Ryan Hope, issued a statement to NBC4.
“We are all deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic loss of our sister, Domonique Newburn. Domonique was an amazing person who’s spirit transcended gender. When we set out to document or lives for reality television, we never once wished to make headlines like this. Our thoughts, prayers and condolences are with her family.”
Detectives told NBC4 that there was evidence of a struggle inside and outside of the apartment.
Newburn’s body was found near the window, suggesting she may have been attempting to escape, police said Wednesday. KTLA reported residents heard shouting before police arrived.
Newburn had sustained trauma, the coroner said.
It’s unclear why Newburn may have been attacked.
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