Father Found Guilty in Son’s Brutal Murder

THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomabuzz

P. Hernandez / Photo: SacPD

Phillip Raymond Hernandez has been found guilty by jury of first-degree murder and the use of a weapon in the brutal murder of his 9-year-old son two years ago.

On February 26, 2013, Hernandez went into the backyard of his Natomas home, grabbed a hatchet, broke through the sliding glass door and brutally attacked his son, Matthew Hernandez, who was sleeping on the couch. The child died at the scene from blunt force trauma to the head.

Matthew Hernandez had been a student at Jefferson Elementary School.

Hernandez was found walking on the street soon after and was taken into custody by police.

Hernandez faces a potential maximum sentence of 26 years to life in prison.

Sentencing is set for May 1.

Matthew Hernandez was 9 at the time of his death. / Courtesy Photo