Lancaster 3-year-old whose neck was slashed identified; homicide investigation continues

Boy killed in Lancaster identified as David Jacques

Authorities have identified the 3-year-old Lancaster boy whose neck was slashed earlier this week as David Jacques Hernandez. Sheriff's officials were investigating the death as a homicide.

LANCASTER, Calif. - Authorities have identified the 3-year-old Lancaster boy whose neck was slashed earlier this week, as a homicide investigation into his death continues.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies responded to a report of a child bleeding and not breathing inside a home in the 43400 block of 57th Street West just before 11 p.m. Tuesday.

At the scene, authorities found the toddler suffering from cuts, lacerations, or stab wounds to his neck. He was taken to the hospital where he died from his injuries, officials said. He was identified on Thursday by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner as David Jacques Hernandez.

A man at the home, later identified as 39-year-old Rena Naulls, was also taken to the hospital for treatment after attempting to take his own life, the sheriff's department said. Naulls is the live-in boyfriend of the boy's mother.

Lancaster boy's death investigated as homicide

A three-year-old Lancaster boy died in the hospital after police found him in his home with a large cut to his torso. Officials are now investigating the boy's death as a homicide.

Sheriff's officials say Naulls is a person of interest and currently no arrests have been made.

"When a minor is killed, it's traumatic for all the parties involved. And for deputies, investigators, it can hit close to home. It's a very heinous crime, and it's very difficult to handle those types of scenes," said Lt. Daniel Vizcarra with LASD Homicide.

Three other children were home at the time. All three were unharmed and were taken into protective custody by the Department of Children and Family Services.

3-year-old boy dies in Lancaster

Police said the boy suffered cuts and stab wounds to his chest. His mother is being interviewed by authorities.

Anyone with information on the case was urged to call the sheriff's Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500, or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS. Tipsters may also use the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

If you or a loved one is feeling distressed, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The crisis center provides free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to civilians and veterans. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Or text HOME to 741-741 (Crisis Text Line). As of July 2022, those searching for help can also call 988 to be relayed to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Lancaster Crime and Public Safety