Novelda court investigates potential hate crime in transgender woman's burial

The Civil and Instruction Section of the Novelda Court has opened an investigation into a potential hate crime involving the burial of a transgender woman in Aspe. The case concerns Daniela M. S., who died by suicide in 2022 at the age of 21.

Following her death, her family buried her in a family tomb using her deadname—the name used prior to her gender transition—and an image of her from before her transition. The investigation was prompted by a complaint from the association Euforia Familias Trans-Aliadas, which argues that the use of her former identity violates her right to honor and dignity.

The legal action follows a referral from the Alicante Hate Crimes Prosecutor's Office. Representatives for the association state the goal is to restore dignity to the deceased and repair the harm caused to her memory. The case also highlights the young woman's history, noting she had undergone legal name changes prior to her death and had previously faced rejection and conversion attempts from her family.