Gildardo Morales, a 48-year-old man, was found fatally shot in his truck in Pacoima on August 21, 2014. His death was part of a series of random shootings carried out by Alexander Hernandez, a man later identified as a serial killer responsible for multiple attacks in the Los Angeles area. Hernandez was charged with murder in connection with Morales' death, along with several other violent crimes.
Hernandez's shooting spree spanned several months in 2014, targeting individuals with no
apparent connection to each other. His attacks resulted in the deaths of five people and injuries to several others. Many of his victims were shot while in their cars, either driving home from work or heading to various activities. Authorities noted that Hernandez had no discernible motive for his attacks, often firing at random from his vehicle.
Following his arrest, Hernandez faced multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder, and animal cruelty. He was initially eligible for the death penalty, but prosecutors later dropped that request. In August 2022, Hernandez was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for his crimes. His conviction included five counts of murder with special circumstances, 11 counts of attempted murder, and additional charges related to firearm possession and reckless discharge.
Investigators linked Morales' death to Hernandez's broader pattern of violence, which included shootings in various locations across the San Fernando Valley. Hernandez's actions instilled fear in the community, as his victims appeared to be chosen at random. His trial stretched on for years while he remained in custody, ultimately resulting in his life sentence.
