In Phoenix, the story of 18-year-old Aaron Joseph Hernandez's death unfolded on the evening of January 18, 2023. On this day, Aaron was in a vehicle with other men for a meeting with an individual later identified as 19-year-old Robert Alexis Hernandez. During this encounter, Robert Hernandez entered the backseat of the car.
An interaction within the vehicle escalated, leading to multiple gunshots being fired.
Aaron Hernandez was struck and fatally wounded, and another passenger in the car sustained injuries but survived. The suspect, Robert Hernandez, was also injured by gunfire during the incident. He was picked up in the neighborhood by an unknown person and taken to a local hospital for treatment. Following an extensive investigation, which included interviews and the collection and analysis of evidence, detectives identified Robert Alexis Hernandez as the suspect. On January 24, 2023, he was arrested and booked into jail on several charges, including first-degree murder.
Another unrelated incident in Phoenix involved the death of 26-year-old Alejandro Hernandez, also known as Alex Hernandez, on April 29, 2019. On that day, his sister, Anna Hernandez, called the police, reporting that he had violated an order of protection. When officers located Alejandro, he was walking along a canal bank, reportedly carrying what appeared to be a firearm wrapped in a sheet.
According to police reports, Alejandro repeatedly pointed the object at officers. He then attempted to enter a construction vehicle before pointing the object at officers again. An officer fired his weapon, striking Alejandro. A police K-9 was also used to take him into custody. It was later determined that the object he was holding was a replica rifle. Alejandro Hernandez was transported to a hospital where he died from his injuries. The Hernandez family later filed a lawsuit against the city and the officer, which was ultimately dismissed. His sister, Anna Hernandez, has since become a vocal advocate for police reform and was elected to the Phoenix City Council.
