Las Cruces police officer killed in stabbing, suspected attacker shot dead
A Las Cruces Police Department patrol officer was killed, and the suspected attacker was shot to death by a citizen bystander.
Officer Jonah Hernandez, 35, died from a stab wound while responding to a trespassing call on Feb. 11. Hernandez, who is from El Paso and has been with LCPD for two years, leaves behind a wife and two sons, ages 10 and 2.
Police did not provide the name of the 29-year-old man suspected attacker but did say that he was shot and killed by someone who witnessed at least part of the stabbing. A witness then used Hernandez's radio to call for help.
Hernandez was responding to a trespassing call on the 300 block of South Valley Drive around 5 p.m. on Sunday, police officials said. Police believe Hernandez was stabbed at least once by the suspect, who allegedly trespassed onto the property.
Hernandez was taken to Mountain View Regional Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Several government and law enforcement agencies across the country took to social media to send their condolences to Hernandez, including the FBI El Paso Division.
Las Cruces police will have additional information and anticipates holding a news conference planned for Tuesday.
New Mexico governor responds to stabbing
"I was 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," New Mexico Gov.Michelle Lujan Grisham posted on X.
"I am praying for his wife, two sons, friends and family, his colleagues at the Las Cruces Police Department, and the Las Cruces community as they grieve his sudden and terrible loss. Officer Hernandez, thank you for your service."
Former Las Cruces mayor: May this heroic officer Rest in Peace
"When an officer gives the ultimate sacrifice while protecting our city, this is a tragedy. May this heroic officer Rest in Peace, and God Bless his family during this difficult time," former Las Cruces mayor Ken Miyagishima posted on X.
Social media reacts to fatal stabbing
I am shocked and heartbroken by the tragic loss of @LasCrucesPolice Officer Jonah Hernandez, who died from injuries received in the line of duty Sunday responding to a trespassing call. My prayers and thoughts go out to Officer Hernandez’s family and friends. #nmleg #LasCruces pic.twitter.com/WrVJAaXsLL
— Lt. Governor Howie Morales (@LtGovMorales) February 12, 2024
#FBIEP sends our condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Officer Jonah Hernandez. He served with the Las Cruces Police Department (@LasCrucesPD) for two years. Officer Hernandez was from the City of El Paso. pic.twitter.com/steuxnH6SM
— FBI El Paso (@FBIElPaso) February 12, 2024
The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Officer Jonah Hernandez of the Las Cruces Police Department. Officer Hernandez's end of watch came too soon, and we stand in solemn solidarity with the Las Cruces… pic.twitter.com/TqI87OAZGq
— BCSO (Sheriff) NM (@BCSONM) February 12, 2024
Our prayers and hearts are with the Las Cruces Police Department for loss of Officer Jonah Hernandez 💙#NeverForget
— Albuquerque Police Department (@ABQPOLICE) February 12, 2024
The New Mexico Corrections Department extends our deepest condolences to our law enforcement partners at the Las Cruces Police Department and the family of Officer Jonah Hernandez. https://t.co/gJQHi3J80i
— NM Corrections Dept. (@NMCDPIO) February 12, 2024
While 100,000,000 people watched a football game yesterday, Las Cruces Police Officer Jonah Hernandez gave the ultimate sacrifice protecting his community. He leaves behind a wife and two young boys.
Rest well hero 🙏🏼🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/KciHHjVSi2— Glendale Arizona FOP Lodge 12 (@GlendaleFOP12) February 12, 2024
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Las Cruces police officer killed in fatal stabbing; suspect killed
