Nelva D. Hernandez, a 45-year-old Latina, tragically lost her life on April 5, 2014, a week after being shot in the head on March 29, 2014, in Exposition Park, Los Angeles. Hernandez and her family were returning from a celebration and were parking their car when a dark-colored SUV stopped nearby. A man exited the vehicle and began firing at another individual walking across the street. One of the bullets missed a toddler by inches and struck Hernandez in the back of the head.
She was immediately taken to a hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries a week later.
The investigation into Hernandez's death has been challenging for the Los Angeles Police Department. Despite efforts to gather information, including door-to-door inquiries and searches for surveillance footage, leads have been scarce. The detective handling the case, Sgt. Paul Shearholdt, expressed frustration over the lack of progress, noting that Hernandez was an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire. The police believe the shooter might be a gang member, and they continue to seek any information that could lead to an arrest.
Hernandez's family has been deeply affected by her untimely death. She was a beloved mother of two sons, Kevin and Elvin, and was known for her dedication to her family. Her sister, Blanca Ventura, and her husband, Jose Antonio Hernandez, have shared their grief and the void left by her absence. The family has been holding nightly prayers, hoping for justice and closure. A $50,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrator, but as of now, no significant breakthroughs have been made in the case.
