Video above: Las Cruces Police speak on death of Officer Hernandez
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Las Cruces Police Department will commemorate the life of fallen Patrol Officer Jonah Hernandez who was killed in the line of duty a year ago on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024.
Tuesday, Feb. 11 will mark the anniversary of Hernandez’s death and the Las Cruces Police Department said it will honor his life and legacy with several events. He is survived by his two sons and wife.
“Not one day has passed that Jonah is not in our memories, in our hearts and actions as we continue to heal from that painful loss,” Las Cruces Police Chief Jeremy Story said. “We, as a department, are strengthened by Jonah’s family who has every right to be bitter and dejected, but instead they continue to display kindness and provide inspiration as we move forward together.”
The Police Department and city staff will gather for a private memorial to honor the life of Hernadez this Tuesday, Feb. 11.
On Sunday, Feb. 16, officers will participate in the second annual New Mexico Fallen Officer Memorial Run in Downtown Las Cruces. The run honors fallen officers from throughout the region. The memorial run begins at 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 16, at Las Cruces City Hall, 700 N. Main St.
Former Las Cruces Police officer and now country music artist Frank Ray hosted a songwriter’s round last month for Hernandez’s family and other Las Cruces police officers at the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum.
“Ray was accompanied by singer-songwriters Trannie Anderson, Seth Mosley, and Jordan Walker who performed for about 250 family and first responders,” the Police Department said.
As we have previously reported, Hernandez was stabbed multiple times after responding to a trespassing call at about 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, on the 300 block of South Valley Drive.
A witness shot the suspect and provided initial aid to Hernandez until first responders arrived at the scene.
Hernandez was transported to a local hospital where he died as a result of his injuries. He was 35 years old.
Hernandez was laid to rest on Feb. 21, 2024, in El Paso.
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