A 19-year-old man faces a number of homicide fees after authorities found the dismembered physique of his ex-girlfriend hidden underneath their shared mattress in Colorado. Prosecutors allege that Luis Antonio Mendez Hernandez killed 20-year-old Griselda Amarilis Lopez-Racancoj, the mom of his youngster, following their breakup simply days earlier.
Discovery of the Physique and Proof
Investigators uncovered Lopez-Racancoj’s stays in white bin luggage stuffed beneath the mattress within the residence Hernandez shared along with her and different residents. The grim discover occurred final month, resulting in Hernandez’s arrest. Witnesses reported that the couple had ended their relationship on December 27, and Lopez-Racancoj had not been seen since an argument that night.
Two feminine residents talked about recognizing a determine underneath the mattress within the couple’s room. A search of the bed room revealed a six-inch steak knife within the wardrobe stained with blood. Moreover, pillows confirmed blood patterns in line with being pressed in opposition to an individual’s face, suggesting doable smothering.
On the morning of December 29, one resident seen seen scratch marks on Hernandez’s neck and chest. The identical day, roommates acquired uncommon textual content messages from him on December 28, the place he described his girlfriend as suicidal. When pressed about her location, Hernandez prevented offering particulars.
Hernandez’s Account to Authorities
Throughout questioning, Hernandez claimed he returned residence from work round 11 p.m. on December 29, showered, and went to mattress beside Lopez-Racancoj, who he mentioned was already asleep. He acknowledged that he awoke at 3 a.m. to feed their crying youngster, then returned to mattress and found her physique chilly to the contact.
Hernandez defined that shock and concern of blame prevented him from calling 911. He advised she may need been harassed by one other man, probably resulting in suicide. He attributed the scratches on his physique to self-infliction and declined to debate any accidents she sustained. As a substitute of alerting authorities, he wrapped her physique in a blanket, hid it underneath the mattress, and performed on-line searches on physique disposal strategies.
Expenses and Detention
Hernandez faces three homicide counts—first-degree after deliberation, first-degree with excessive indifference, and second-degree—together with one depend of tampering with a deceased human physique. He stays in Summit County Jail on a $5 million bond.
For confidential help, name the 24-hour Nationwide Home Abuse Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or go to womensaid.co.uk. If you happen to or your loved ones have misplaced a pal or member of the family by means of deadly home abuse, AAFDA (Advocacy After Deadly Home Abuse) can provide specialist and knowledgeable help and advocacy. For more information go to www.aafda.org.uk. For emotional help you’ll be able to name the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, electronic mail jo@samaritans.org, go to a Samaritans department in individual or go to the Samaritans web site.
