UPDATE
KOB 4 News (Albuquerque, NM) reports that during a news conference held today, Jeremy Story, Chief, Las Cruces Police Department (“LCPD”), identified Armando Silva (29) as the person responsible for the death of LCPD Officer Jonah Hernandez.
According to a nearby witness, Silva attacked Hernandez with a large kitchen knife immediately upon Hernandez’ arrival at the scene. Chief Story said that Silva was homeless at the time of the stabbing and more information will be released regarding Silva in the future.
The KOB 4 News report may be read HERE.
ORIGNIAL REPORT
KRQE News 13 (Albuquerque, NM) reports that Las Cruces Police Department (“LCPD”) Officer Jonah Hernandez was killed in the line of duty on Sunday afternoon in Las Cruces, New Mexico. While investigating a reported trespassing, the unidentified, 29-year old, male suspect stabbed Hernandez. A nearby witness to the stabbing shot and killed the stabbing suspect and used the LAPD’s in-car radio to notify police dispatch.
Hernandez was transported to a medical center, but died. Hernandez was married and had two children. A GoFundMe account has been created for his family.
The KRQE News 13 report may be read HERE.
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham released a statement yesterday regarding the death of Officer Hernandez. The statement follows and is also available HERE:
“I am horrified to hear of the murder of a young officer in Las Cruces last night. Officer Hernandez was, by all accounts, a dedicated and brave public servant and an outstanding son, husband and father. I am praying for Officer Hernandez’s wife, his two sons, his friends and family, his colleagues at the Las Cruces Police Department, and the Las Cruces community as they grieve his sudden and terrible loss. This loss is felt acutely by every first responder and their families, who selflessly serve and protect New Mexicans every day. Officer Hernandez, thank you for your service.”
My brothers and sisters, FGGAM also prays for Officer Hernandez’ family, friends and coworkers. The evil one despises godly authority, but men and women called to law enforcement, such as Officer Hernandez, care and love enough to take this position of risk for the betterment of us all (see John 15:13).
Let’s pray that God turns what the evil one planned for harm to good (see Genesis 50:20), and for peace and comfort to all who are hurting (see Philippians 4:6-7).
Here are the above-referenced scriptures:
John 15:13 (NLT)
“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Genesis 50:20 (NKJV)
What the Evil One Meant for Our Harm, God Turns for Our Good
“But as for you [Joseph’s brothers], you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.”
Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding [emphasis mine], will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Praise Jesus forevermore!
