Natomas Mourns Death Of 9-year-old Boy

Makeshift memorial on Atrisca Circle / Photo: Natomas Buzz

THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

Additional counselors, psychologists, police chaplains and school district leaders remain on campus today and tomorrow to help the Jefferson Elementary School community cope with a student’s death.

The Sacramento County Coroner has identified Matthew Hernandez, 9, as the victim of a brutal attack late Tuesday night. Hernandez was a fourth grader at the Natomas-area school.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of one of our students,” read a statement released by the Natomas Unified School District. “Our hearts go out to the family and friends.”

The school reportedly contacted the families of each of Matthew’s classmates to make sure they also have access to the support services.

Overnight, a fund created on GoForward to help Matthew’s family pay for burial expenses doubled.

Meanwhile, graphic details of the attack and the man accused of killing Matthew – his father – were released by the Sacramento Police Department.

According to police, Phillip Raymond Hernandez went into the backyard of his home located on the 2200 block of Atrisco Circle and grabbed a hatchet. Hernandez then broke through a sliding glass door at the home.

An adult family member heard the glass break and went into the living room to find Hernandez, holding a hatchet and standing over his 9-year-old son who was asleep on a couch.

The family member tried to stop Hernandez, but was shoved aside and witnessed Hernandez attack boy.

Police officers and the Sacramento Fire Department responded to 911 calls from the home. The child was declared dead at the scene having suffered blunt-force trauma to the head. The hatchet reportedly used in the attack was recovered at the scene.

Police set up a perimeter around the home and found Hernandez soon after walking in the area of Azevdo Drive and El Camino Avenue. Hernandez was arrested and booked into the Sacramento County Jail on felony murder charges; he is not eligible for bail. Court records show Hernandez served time for felony spouse abuse.

Hernandez’s second son, age 12, was found unharmed at the residence and is in family’s custody. The children’s mother, who was out of state at the time of the attack, has returned to Sacramento.

“There is still no explanation for Hernandez’s unimaginable actions,” read a statement from Sacramento Police.

Click here for information on the burial fund set up for Matthew Hernandez.