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Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Man Charged with Murder of Girlfriend’s 3-Year-Old Son
A man suspected of killing his girlfriend’s 3-year-old son has now been formally charged with the boy’s murder in a tragic incident that has shocked the community.
Location of the Incident
The heartbreaking incident took place at a home in Lancaster on the 43400 block of 57th Street West, where the young boy, David Jacques Hernandez, was found dead on February 20.
Formal Charges Filed
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced Friday that Rena Lydell Naulls, 39, has been charged with one count of murder, one count of assault on a child causing death, and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon with prior convictions.
Special Circumstances
Naulls also faces special circumstances for allegedly using a knife during the commission of the crime, which involved great violence, great bodily harm, threat of great bodily harm, and other acts disclosing a high degree of cruelty, viciousness, and callousness.
The Gruesome Discovery
Naulls, who is the boyfriend of David’s mother, was found at the scene with what appeared to be self-inflicted injuries. Investigators believe that Naulls killed David with a slash wound to his upper body before attempting to take his own life.
Legal Proceedings
Naulls is being held on $3.245 bail and is expected to be arraigned in an Antelope Valley courtroom on April 24. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Heartbreaking Loss
DA Gascón expressed his condolences to the victim’s family, stating, “My heart is broken for the toddler whose life was taken before he even had a chance to live. We will pursue justice for the victim and his family with unwavering determination.”
Investigation Ongoing
The case remains under investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Anyone with information is urged to contact homicide investigators at 323-890-5500 or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 to remain anonymous.
Protecting the Family
David’s three siblings, who were home at the time of the incident, were uninjured and have been placed in protective custody as the community grapples with this tragic loss.
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