Today, December 6th, we take a moment to honor individuals like Martina Caldera, whose struggles remind us of the ongoing need to stand up for equality and justice for all.
Martina Caldera, a 38-year-old Latina transgender woman from Baytown, Texas, was tragically found fatally shot near an overpass on East Freeway at Sheldon Road in Channelview on December 6, 2021. Initially, investigators believed she had been struck by a vehicle, but further investigation revealed she had suffered multiple gunshot wounds.
Her family described Martina as “an amazing person” with “the best personality.” Known for her warmth and caring nature, she never forgot to call her loved ones on their birthdays. Martina had “a heart of gold,” was “always smiling, singing, and laughing,” and deeply loved Selena’s music. She worked two full-time jobs and enjoyed unwinding with a cold beer after a long day’s work.
Her family expressed profound grief over her loss, with her eldest brother, Noel Caldera, stating, “We are heartbroken. This is very hard for us because we also lost our father to COVID, and now this.”
In April 2024, 54-year-old James McNutt was arrested and charged with Martina’s murder. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate, with no motive established at this time.
Martina’s death highlights the ongoing violence faced by transgender individuals, particularly transgender women of color, in the United States.
Family and friends remember Martina as a kind-hearted and vibrant person whose life was tragically cut short.
Let us commit ourselves to embodying the spirit of protection and advocacy that this day represents. Let us fight to create a safer, more inclusive world where tragedies like Martina Caldera’s death become a thing of the past. Together, we can build a future where every individual, regardless of identity, feels valued, supported, and protected. Let us carry this message forward, never forgetting those we have lost, and continue striving for a world of justice and equality.
