Leniyah Butler, a 21-year-old trans woman, was convicted of voluntary manslaughter for the murder of Hamza Walupupu following a confrontation over her transgender identity. She initially claimed self-defense when Walupupu demanded his money back after finding out she was trans. The jury acquitted her of second-degree murder due to lack of malice aforethought. The trial highlighted the complexities surrounding issues of gender identity, safety, and violence, while Butler's recorded jailhouse exchanges raised questions about her feelings of remorse. The case was significant due to the circumstances of the killing occurring on federal land, necessitating the federal trial.
"The jury found Butler guilty of killing Walupupu, but not with malice aforethought which is a requirement for second-degree murder."
"Butler has, from the start, claimed self-defense in the case, saying she feared for her safety after Walupupu learned she was trans and demanded his money back after she performed oral sex on him."
"Jailhouse phone calls recorded by authorities suggested that she felt little remorse, stating that Walupupu 'got what he deserved.'"
"The shooting happened after Walupupu picked up Butler in an area known as 'the Blade,' at Post and Polk streets in the Tenderloin."
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