On November 12, 2023, the body of 32-year-old Hamza Walupupu was discovered in a parking lot at Crissy Field in San Francisco. He had suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head.
Investigations led to the arrest of 20-year-old San Francisco resident, Leion (also known as Leniyah) Butler, who identifies as a transgender woman. Butler was charged with second-degree murder in connection with Walupupu's death.
According to court documents, Butler, working as a sex worker, met Walupupu on the night of November 12. After agreeing on a transaction, they drove to Crissy Field. Following an initial sexual act, Butler disclosed her transgender identity, which led to Walupupu demanding a refund and insisting she leave his car. Butler refused, feeling disrespected and concerned about being stranded. As Walupupu attempted to exit the vehicle, Butler retrieved a firearm from her purse and shot him in the head.
After the shooting, Butler disposed of Walupupu's body and drove his car to Hunters Point, where she sought assistance from her mother to eliminate evidence. They wiped down the vehicle, disposed of incriminating items, and Butler gave the firearm to a third party. Surveillance footage and cellphone data were instrumental in linking Butler to the crime.
Butler was arrested on November 20 after attempting to evade law enforcement by fleeing from a second-story window. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is currently being held without bail, deemed a danger to the community and a flight risk. Her next court appearance is scheduled for January 12.
