Homicide suspect found in cold case

On August 8, 2008, at around 6:15 p.m., the Grand Prairie Police Department responded to assist the Grand Prairie Fire  Department with a structure fire in the 2600 block of Channing Drive. Inside the residence, firefighters located a deceased male who was identified as Raymond Hernandez, 45 years of age. Autopsy results determined Mr. Hernandez was the victim  of a homicide.  

DNA from a possible suspect was collected at the scene and entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) in  November of 2008. At the time, there was no matching DNA in CODIS to identify the potential suspect, nor were there any  other cases where this suspect’s DNA profile matched any other victims.  

In February 2022, Grand Prairie Police Cold Case Detectives began collaborating with the Texas Department of Public Safety – Texas Rangers, to utilize the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI). Forensic genetic genealogical testing of the potential suspect’s DNA was searched through a third-party laboratory. In September 2024, an investigative lead was developed through the  genealogical search. Detectives were able to obtain a DNA sample and confirm the lead. 

On October 4, 2024, Grand Prairie Police Cold Case Detectives, with the assistance of the Texas DPS Texas Rangers and the  Lufkin, Texas Police Department, arrested Jerry Lee Gardner, 44 years of age, at his residence in Lufkin, for the murder of  Raymond Hernandez. He is currently in the Grand Prairie Detention Center on the charge of Capital Murder with a bond set  at $1,000,000. 

SOURCE Grand Prairie Police Department