UPDATE (5:01 PM February 13)
Police ID Suspect Responsible for Officer’s Death
The man believed to be responsible for the death of Las Cruces Police Department Officer Jonah Hernandez has been identified.
Source: City of Las Cruces News Release
Armando Silva, 29, is the man police believe stabbed and killed Hernandez after the officer responded to a trespassing call Sunday, Feb. 11, at 355 S. Valley Drive.
Las Cruces police Chief Jeremy Story made the announcement during a news conference Tuesday at Las Cruces City Hall.
“We, as a law enforcement agency, are still trying to process the sudden and senseless death of one of our officers,” said Story. “This isn’t something you practice or are accustomed to.
“Officer Jonah Hernandez was a compassionate and dedicated officer who was out doing his job while most of us were watching the Super Bowl. Jonah was attacked while making contact with the subject of a trespassing call. This sudden and unprovoked attack took the life of an officer, a husband, a father, brother, son, a friend, and a great young man.”
The investigation has revealed that, after stabbing officer Hernandez, Silva tried attacking a bystander who witnessed the unprovoked attack on Hernandez. That witness retrieved his own firearm, shot and killed Silva.
Hernandez was transported to MountainView Regional Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries.
Police have no plans to name the witness until the investigation is complete. And, at this point of the investigation, police do not anticipate recommending charges against the witness.
Once police complete the investigation, facts of the case will be presented to the Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office for review and determination if any charges are warranted.
Officer Jonah Hernandez is survived by his wife, Yesenia Lopez, and two sons: Sebastian Jonah, 10, and 2-year-old Joaquin Leonel. Hernandez was from El Monte, Calif., and grew up in El Paso, Texas. He was a 2006 graduate of Americas High School.
Hernandez served as a Las Cruces Police Department officer since June 2022.
Funeral arrangements for Jonah Hernandez have yet to be finalized.
The Las Cruces Police Officers Association, the union that represents LCPD officers, has established a GoFundMe account and a local deposit account for donations on behalf of the family of officer Jonah Hernandez. Details of both fundraising accounts can be found on the Las Cruces Police Department’s Facebook page.
UPDATE (2:03 PM February 13)
The Las Cruces Police Department streamed a press conference live on their Facebook page at approximately 11:00 AM. (At the time of this UPDATE, the GoFundMe account established “In the loving memory of Officer Jonah Hernandez” had raised over $75,000. The account has a stated goal of $100,000 to help the family of our fallen officer.)
Las Cruces Digest Reporting
The press conference began with Larry Nichols, Public Information Officer, who made it clear that the circumstances surrounding the death of Las Cruces Police Officer Jonah Hernandez was an “ongoing investigation”, and that Police Chief Jeremy Story might not be able to answer all of the questions posed. Mr. Nichols then introduced Las Cruces Mayor, Eric Enriquez.
Mayor Eric Enriquez read a statement on behalf of himself and the Las Cruces City Council: “We are deeply saddened by the tragedy and the loss of Jonah Hernandez who was killed in the line of duty while serving and protecting our city. Our hearts go out to his wife, to his children, to his family and friends, and colleagues, during this difficult time. We are grateful for Officer Hernandez, his dedication, his bravery and his commitment to serve our community. We stand with our local law enforcement community as they mourn for the loss of one of their own. This tragedy truly reminds us of the risks our officers face every day while working to keep our community safe. Our thoughts are with all of our officers, and we are committed to supporting them in every way that we can. In the face of this tragedy, let us come together as a community to support one another, and honor the memory of Officer Hernandez. We must stand united, and I encourage everyone to express their grief peacefully and respectfully. Please join us in keeping Officer Jonah Hernandez, his loved ones and colleagues in your thoughts and prayers. Together we will navigate through this difficult time with compassion, with strength and with unity.”
Police Chief Jeremy Story provided more details into the events that transpired that led to Officer Hernandez’s death. “On February 11, 2024, just before 5 PM, Officer Jonah Hernandez, a husband, a son, a brother and a father of two young boys, was murdered. Officer Hernandez was dispatched to a trespassing call in the 300 block of South Valley [Drive]. When he arrived, Armando Silva immediately attacked him with a large kitchen knife. For no reason whatsoever, Silva killed Officer Hernandez. A witness saw the unprovoked attack, retrieved a firearm from their vehicle and confronted the murderer. Silva tried to attack the witness and was shot at least once. Silva later died from his injuries. Silva had a long history of violent crime and mental illness. This is just one more agonizing reminder of the brokenness of the New Mexico Criminal Justice System, a system that should have protected our community from Silva, but instead, allowed him to endanger us all. The loss of Jonah is also a reminder of the dangers officers face every day. On every call there is a potential for tragedy. Officers must constantly balance those potential threats with split-second decisions on what to do in every circumstance. This is an evil world. There is evil in our beautiful city. As officers, we see it every day. But it takes selfless men and women to stand against that evil. Those men and women patrol our streets, and respond to cries for help, and we are very blessed to have amazing police officers who guard this city. There is a cost to having peace, order and justice in Las Cruces. Officer Hernandez’s family will eternally pay that price.” Story continued by naming Officer Hernandez’s family, those most impacted by his loss. In condolence, Story added, “There is nothing I can say or do to ease their grief and loss,” adding, “Our Department is wounded, right now, and yet we remain committed to this city and to each other. We will mourn the loss of our brother, forever.” Police Chief Story concluded his remarks with words of praise for the love support provided by the city, and by expressing confidence in the Las Cruces Police Department’s ability to “get through this together… with the love and support of our gracious city.”
Questions were then taken from the “news media”. Those questions can be seen starting at about minute 8:00 of the YouTube video (above)
UPDATE (4:53 PM February 12)
The Las Cruces Police Officers Association, the union that represents LCPD officers, has established a GoFundMe account and a local deposit account for donations on behalf of the family of Officer Jonah Hernandez who was killed in the line of duty on Sunday.
Source: City of Las Cruces (This information is being shared on behalf of the Las Cruces Police Officers Association)
Photo: Courtesy
The GoFundMe account is accessible online.
Donations can also be made at any Citizens Bank of Las Cruces branch in Las Cruces. Contributors are asked to make checks or money orders payable to the “Benefit of Jonah Hernandez” fund.
Checks, made out to the “Benefit of Jonah Hernandez” fund, can also be dropped off at the Las Cruces Police Department in care of Veronica De La O, treasurer of the Las Cruces Police Officers Association. The Las Cruces Police Department, 217 E. Picacho Ave., is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday excluding federal holidays.
The Police Officers Association ensures that all proceeds generated on either account will go directly to the family of fallen officer Jonah Hernandez.
UPDATE (9:01 AM, February 12)
The investigation has temporarily closed a portion of Valley Drive just north of Amador Avenue. Motorists are asked to avoid that area until the on-site investigation is complete.
Source: Las Cruces Police Department (Original)
Update: City of Las Cruces
UPDATE (9:01 AM, February 12): The investigation has temporarily closed a portion of Valley Drive just north of Amador Avenue. Motorists are asked to avoid that area until the on-site investigation is complete. (No other information is available at this time.)
Original posting follows:
The Las Cruces Police Department is mourning the loss of one of its own who was killed in the line of duty after responding to a call Sunday afternoon.
Patrol officer Jonah Hernandez, from El Paso, Texas, who has been with the Las Cruces Police Department two years, was stabbed at least once after responding to a trespassing call on the 300 block of south Valley Drive. Hernandez was transported to MountainView Regional Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries.
The incident occurred shortly before 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 11.
The investigation is in the very early stages but, at this point, police believe Hernandez was stabbed by the suspect who allegedly trespassed onto the property. So far, the investigation has also revealed that the perpetrator was shot and killed by someone who witnessed at least part of the interaction.
A witness then utilized Hernandez’s radio to call for help.
The suspect is a 29-year-old man. Police will not release his name until his next of kin have been notified.
Officer Jonah Hernandez leaves behind a wife and two sons, ages 10 and 2.
Las Cruces Police will have additional information and anticipates holding a news conference early this week.
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