Man charged with murder in death 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.

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.

He also faces special circumstances for allegedly using a knife during the commission of the crime, which the D.A.’s Office said involved “great violence, great bodily harm, threat of great bodily harm and other acts disclosing a high degree of cruelty, viciousness, and callousness.”

The boy, identified as David Jacques Hernandez, was found dead on Feb. 20 at his home in Lancaster on 43400 block of 57th Street West.

Naulls, the boyfriend of David’s mother, was also home at the time and was found by first responders suffering from what appeared to be self-inflicted injuries.

At the time of the gruesome discovery, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said David died from a “slash” wound to his upper body. Investigators believe Naulls killed David and then tried to take his own life.

Naulls was transported to the hospital for treatment and was later identified as a person of interest.

David’s three siblings were also home at the time and were uninjured. They were later placed in protective custody.

“My heart is broken for the toddler whose life was taken before he even had a chance to live,” Gascón said in a news release Friday. “Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the victim’s family during this unimaginably difficult time. We will pursue justice for the victim and his family with unwavering determination.”

Naulls is being held on $3.2 million 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.

The case remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Department. Anyone with information was asked to call homicide investigators at 323-890-5500. Those who prefer to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.

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