In a tragic turn of events, the body of 54-year-old Reyna Hernandez was discovered in Mexico. This devastating news comes after Hernandez went missing from her home in South Renton, Washington on February 26. The Renton Police Department announced on Monday evening that her lifeless body was found near Mexicali, the capital of Baja California, just across the U.S.-Mexico border.
Friends of Hernandez reported her missing on February 28 when she failed to return home from running errands and did not open her small business in the Renton Highlands. It was not until March 8 that detectives received information about an unidentified body found in a local cemetery on the Tijuana Highway in Mexicali.
Thanks to the cooperation between investigators and Mexican authorities, Hernandez was positively identified over the weekend. Additionally, a suspect in the case has been apprehended in Mexico on unrelated charges. Mexican law enforcement officials have also been able to recover Hernandez’s vehicle.
The Renton Police Department believes that this was a domestic violence crime, as evidence suggests that Hernandez was taken against her will. Shockingly, signs of torture were found, indicating the brutality of her ordeal. She was bound at the hands and feet, shot in the head, and wrapped in a blanket.
Hernandez’s friends became alarmed when she did not return home, answer her phone, or show up for work at her hair salon. The news of her tragic death has left her loved ones devastated. Investigations Commander Chandler Swain expressed his condolences, stating, “This is the worst possible outcome, and our hearts go out to Reyna’s family and friends.”
As authorities continue to gather evidence, determining the time and location of Hernandez’s murder will be crucial. If it is determined that the homicide occurred in the United States, extradition will be sought to ensure that the suspect faces charges in the appropriate jurisdiction.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the violence that can occur within our communities. It is imperative that we prioritize the safety and well-being of our fellow citizens, taking a firm stance against domestic violence. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Reyna Hernandez’s family as they navigate through this unimaginable tragedy.
