Renton, Washington – Murder charges have been filed against a man accused of the killing of Renton business owner, Reyna Hernandez, 54, in February. The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged 61-year-old Lous Hernandez with first-degree murder in connection to Reyna Hernandez’s death. After Reyna Hernandez was found dead in a cemetery in Mexico in March, Lous Hernandez was arrested in Mexico for possession of drugs and ammunition.
According to court documents, Lous Hernandez allegedly put a gun to Reyna Hernandez’s head within minutes of her entering his home on February 26, then used a winch system to drag her body into her vehicle before driving to Mexico. Reyna Hernandez’s body was later discovered in a Mexican cemetery, wrapped in a blanket and tied with a rope, with a second rope tied to her ankle.
Renton Police Department stated that detectives immediately began investigating when Reyna Hernandez went missing from Renton in late February. Her friends reported her disappearance after she failed to return home or to work as the owner of Reyna Hair Salon. Foul play was suspected early on in the investigation.
Reyna’s sister, Ivonne Carrillo-Hernandez, spoke about the difficult situation the family is facing, expressing disbelief that her sister had met such a tragic end. She mentioned efforts by U.S. and Mexican government officials to return Reyna Hernandez’s body for an autopsy in Washington, where it was ruled a homicide. The family is now preparing for funeral services and plans to take her back to her hometown of Monterrey.
The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Department of Justice are working on an extradition request for Lous Hernandez to face trial in King County. The court classified Lous Hernandez as a significant threat to the community and a flight risk, setting bail at $5 million. Once the extradition packet is completed, the DOJ will request Lous Hernandez’s extradition from Mexican authorities.
The tragic circumstances surrounding Reyna Hernandez’s death serve as a reminder of the importance of swift and thorough investigative work by law enforcement agencies. The collaborative efforts between U.S. and Mexican officials highlight the international cooperation necessary in cases of cross-border crimes. As the legal proceedings unfold, the family and community continue to mourn the loss of Reyna Hernandez and seek justice for her untimely death.