Los Angeles, California – A chilling and deadly shooting rampage unfolded in 2014 in Los Angeles, leaving a trail of devastation and fear in its wake. For six months, a serial killer known as the “Valley Killer” terrorized the city, claiming five lives and injuring 11 others in a series of random attacks.
The attacks, carried out by Alexander Hernandez, began on March 14, 2014, when he fatally shot 35-year-old Sergio Sanchez in Sylmar. The shootings continued, targeting unsuspecting victims in the San Fernando Valley, leaving a community in shock and detectives struggling to piece together the crimes.
As the spree unfolded, Hernandez’s violent acts escalated. From a shooting on Father’s Day with a black powder gun reminiscent of the Old West to using a shotgun in subsequent attacks, the killer’s brutality knew no bounds. Victims like Louis Valdez and Julian Archer survived harrowing encounters, while others, like Gildardo Morales, tragically lost their lives.
The true scope of Hernandez’s reign of terror became chillingly clear in August 2014 when he carried out attacks on five consecutive days, leaving a trail of devastation in his wake. Among his victims was Morales, a hardworking immigrant from Mexico, whose senseless murder shattered the lives of his family.
Despite the randomness and brutality of the attacks, detectives pieced together evidence from the crime scenes, finally linking Hernandez to the shootings. With the help of animal cruelty investigators, who identified Hernandez through surveillance footage, law enforcement was able to locate and apprehend the killer in Sylmar, putting an end to his deadly spree.
In the aftermath of the capture, questions swirled about Hernandez’s motives and the senseless violence he unleashed on the community. While the killer remained silent, facing justice for his crimes took years to achieve. In 2022, Hernandez was convicted on multiple charges, including five counts of murder, and received a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
The story of the “Valley Killer” serves as a painful reminder of the devastating impact of violence and the resilience of those affected by tragedy. Amidst the darkness, the community found strength in coming together to support one another and seek justice for the victims. The legacy of those lost lives endures, forever etched in the collective memory of Los Angeles.