PONCHATOULA, La. – A tragic incident in Ponchatoula, Louisiana has left a community in shock as the estranged husband of a woman found dead in her home last month was arrested for her murder. The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office announced that David Hernandez, 49, was charged with second-degree murder and obstruction of justice in connection with the slaying of his wife, 45-year-old Lisa Hernandez.
Authorities revealed that David Hernandez had been stalking his wife during their one-year separation, even going as far as placing a tracking device in her vehicle. The investigation uncovered that he had orchestrated a burglary at her residence on the day she was discovered dead. In an attempt to cover up the crime, he discarded incriminating evidence into Lake Pontchartrain, only for law enforcement agencies to recover it later.
The TPSO stated that David Hernandez had become the primary suspect in his wife’s murder due to various suspicious actions leading up to her death. He had reportedly shown up unannounced at her workplace and even sent her a bouquet of flowers containing lilies, to which she was highly allergic. The victim was found slain in her home on Meadow Wood Drive, with the exact cause of death still undisclosed.
Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Causeway Police Department, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, collaborated in the investigation to bring justice for Lisa Hernandez. The case sheds light on the importance of recognizing warning signs in cases of domestic violence and ensuring the safety of individuals in abusive relationships.
The arrest of David Hernandez serves as a somber reminder of the tragic consequences of domestic violence that can escalate to fatal outcomes. The community mourns the loss of Lisa Hernandez and continues to advocate for resources and support for those experiencing domestic abuse. The case highlights the critical role of law enforcement in holding perpetrators accountable and seeking justice for victims of such heinous crimes.