Reyna Hernandez.Photo:Renton Police Department/Facebook
Renton Police Department/Facebook
An American woman who had not been seen since Feb. 26 has beenfound dead.
The body of Renton, Wash. residentReyna Hernandez, 54, was recovered from a cemetery in Mexicali, Mexico. According to Seattle’sFox 13, authorities confirmed there were signs of torture, saying Hernandez was bound at the hands and feet, and wrapped in a blanket.
She had also been shot in the head.
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“This is the worst possible outcome, and our hearts go out to Reyna’s family and friends,” said Investigations Commander Chandler Swain. “We are working closely with Mexicali police and our U.S. Federal partners to determine when and where Reyna was killed.”
crime scene – stock image.Getty Images
Getty Images
Police added, “On March 8, detectives were alerted to a news article in Mexicali about an unidentified body found in a local cemetery on the Tijuana Highway. Investigators contacted Mexican authorities and were able to provide enough information to identify Hernandez over the weekend.”
Per the release, a 61-year-old Renton resident is currently in custody in Mexico, where they were also recovered Hernandez’s vehicle.
“Detectives say this wasa domestic violence crime,” the department said in their Facebook post.
While investigators have confirmed her death to be a homicide, they must still determine if the act took place in the United States or Mexico to see if they will seek to extradite the suspect to face charges in that jurisdiction.
“They’ve served many search warrants and uncovered evidence that leads us to believe she was taken against her will. We do expect foul play in this case,” Black said.
Reyna Hernandez.Renton Police Department, WA/Facebook
Renton Police Department, WA/Facebook
After Hernandez’s body was found, the Renton Police Department said they were also able to recover her vehicle.
German Sahagun had known Hernandez for a decade since his family’s restaurant was next door to her hair salon. When she first disappeared, he spoke toKOMO Newsabout the last time he had seen her, adding that her behavior seemed a bit off.
“She was kind of quiet that day, which I thought was kind of odd,” he said.
Sahagun described Hernandez as a “very outspoken, loud, [and] friendly” person.
source: people.com
