HOUSTON, TX – A man convicted of murder in a fatal parking lot shooting is now on the run after removing his ankle monitor during his trial. Christopher David Hernandez, who was found guilty in the death of Joshua Lazard, vanished before the trial’s conclusion, prompting a manhunt by local authorities.
Hernandez was nearing the end of his trial when he made the decision to abscond. As the jury deliberated, he allegedly cut off his ankle monitor and disappeared, leaving the court proceedings without closure. His sudden escape has raised concerns about public safety, as he was sentenced to life in prison in absentia.
The incident that led to Hernandez’s conviction occurred in August 2022 at a Walmart parking lot on West Beltway near Bissonnet. A confrontation over driving skills escalated, resulting in Hernandez firing a gun five times, killing Lazard. The victim, a beloved father, has left behind a grieving family who now feels a mix of relief and apprehension.
“Hernandez’s escape is a significant concern,” stated Jennifer Merryweather, the chief prosecutor from the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. She emphasized the need to capture Hernandez swiftly to ensure community safety and provide justice to Lazard’s family. The Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Task Force has been mobilized to locate the fugitive.
Dennis, the father of the victim, expressed his frustration and called on Hernandez to turn himself in. “He needs to face the consequences and serve the sentence handed to him,” Dennis said, highlighting the lack of remorse shown by Hernandez during the trial.
Authorities continue their search, hoping to apprehend Hernandez soon. The prosecutor’s office remains optimistic, believing that capturing him will bring much-needed closure to the victim’s family and restore a sense of security to the community.
The case has triggered discussions about the effectiveness of ankle monitors and pretrial services in preventing flight risks. As the search for Hernandez intensifies, questions remain about how he managed to evade authorities and what measures could be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.