On April 3, 2023, 19-year-old Luis Deleon was last seen by his family around 9:00 PM, leaving the 7100 block of Avenue I in Houston, Texas. He was reported missing the following day, prompting an investigation by local authorities.
On April 20, 2023, volunteers from Texas EquuSearch discovered human remains under wood pallets near railroad tracks at 2101 Lee Street in north Houston, approximately four miles from where Deleon was last seen.
The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences identified the remains as those of Luis Deleon and determined that he had suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including one to the side of his head.
Further investigation revealed that Deleon was last seen at 4414 Navigation Boulevard. Detectives identified 18-year-old Jonathan Hernandez as the primary suspect, alleging that he fatally shot Deleon during a robbery. Evidence suggests that Hernandez drove Deleon's car to a car wash after the shooting to clean out any blood inside the vehicle.
On April 27, 2023, Hernandez was formally charged with capital murder and tampering with evidence in the 248th State District Court. However, he fled to Mexico to evade arrest. Nearly a year later, on February 15, 2024, members of the U.S. Marshals Office's Fugitive Task Force, in collaboration with Mexican authorities, apprehended Hernandez in Mexico. He was extradited to Texas and booked into the Harris County Jail, where he awaits trial for the murder of Luis Deleon.
The tragic death of Luis Deleon has deeply affected his family and the Houston community. Born on November 24, 2003, to Jose Luis De Leon Reyes and Maritza Lorena Hernandez, Luis was remembered as a beloved son and brother. Funeral services were held in May 2023 to honor his memory. As the legal proceedings against Hernandez continue, the community seeks justice for Luis and hopes for closure in this heartbreaking case.
