Queens, NY – Luis Hernandez has been indicted for the murder of a 21-year-old man in Astoria in February 2020, marking a significant development in a case that remained unsolved for four years.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Hernandez’s arraignment today on charges including murder in the second degree and gang assault, relating to the fatal stabbing and the attempted murder of two other individuals. Katz emphasized the commitment to seeking justice, regardless of the time elapsed since the crime.
Hernandez, 36, from Maspeth, faces a potential sentence of up to 75 years to life if convicted. The indictment includes charges of murder, gang assault, attempted murder, and assault. Justice Kenneth Holder has scheduled his next court appearance for March 26.
The attack on February 9, 2020, resulted in the death of Richard Hernandez (no relation to the defendant) and injuries to two others, stemming from a violent altercation in front of 36-30 31st Street in Astoria. The quick response by NYPD transit officers to a seemingly unrelated incident in January 2024 led to the identification of Luis Hernandez as a suspect.