The arraignment for murder suspect Alexander Hernandez, scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 17., in the Criminal Courts Building in downtown Los Angeles, was postponed until Nov. 20.
This is the second time that his arraignment has been postponed. He was previously set to be arraigned in the courthouse in the City of San Fernando on Aug. 27.
Hernandez, 34, of Sylmar, is the prime suspect in a shooting spree that began in West Hollywood on Aug 20 and ended in the Sylmar and Pacoima on Aug. 24. Four people were killed and three people were moderately and critically wounded by a single gunman that drove an SUV up to unsuspecting cars or trucks and opened fire.
The Aug. 24 victims included Gloria Espinoza Tovar, 59, of Pacoima who was shot and killed in Pacoima as she driving to pick up a friend for church; Mariana Franco, 23, of Sylmar, who was gunned down in San Fernando while in the back seat of the family vehicle. Her father, Jose Franco, was seriously wounded in the attack.
Another man was killed while picking up recyclables at the Sylmar Recreation Center.
Hernandez was arrested on Aug. 24. He has been charged with the murder of Gildardo Morales, 48, in Pacoima, and two counts of attempted murder.
He is also charged with two counts of attempted murder for allegedly firing on a husband and wife who were in their vehicle in West Hollywood; three counts of animal cruelty for allegedly shooting three dogs, killing two and wounding one; two counts of discharge of a firearm with gross negligence; and one count each of shooting at an occupied vehicle, possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of ammunition.
He has not been charged with the killings on Aug. 24.
Police investigators say they continue to build a case against Hernandez, but have not released any new information, including possible motive or personal background. Investigators did confirm that Hernandez has a prior arrest record and has served time. The suspect has four prior convictions, including possession of a controlled substance with a firearm.
Police described the shootings as the actions of “a serial killer.”