On the morning of September 10, 2024, 47-year-old Lydia Hernandez was tragically killed in a shooting at Mackenzie Park in Lubbock, Texas. Officers responded to reports of shots fired around 8:18 a.m. in the 300 block of Cesar E. Chavez Drive. Upon arrival, they found 55-year-old Angel Aleman deceased at the scene, along with his dog, Monster. Hernandez was discovered with serious injuries and was transported to University Medical Center, where she later succumbed to her wounds.
The investigation revealed that the incident was captured on surveillance video, which showed the events before, during, and after the shooting. The footage depicted Aleman and Hernandez walking near their vehicle when a gray SUV approached them at high speed. Two individuals exited the SUV and confronted the victims, resulting in both Aleman and Hernandez being shot. The assailants then fled the scene in the SUV.
Authorities received an anonymous tip identifying the perpetrators as brothers Justin and Joziah Aleman, nephews of victim Angel Aleman. Both were apprehended and charged with two counts of murder and one count of cruelty to non-livestock animals. During police interviews, Justin admitted to being present at the scene during the shooting, while Joziah disclosed that he had gone to the park intending to engage in a physical altercation with their uncle. Both brothers are currently held at the Lubbock County Detention Center, each on bonds totaling more than $800,500.
Lydia Hernandez was remembered as a devoted mother and cherished community member. Her family held a memorial service on September 26, 2024, at The Worship Center in Lubbock, followed by an inurnment at the City of Lubbock Cemetery. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and other family members who continue to mourn her untimely passing.
