A 19-year-old man faces multiple murder charges after authorities discovered the dismembered remains of his ex-girlfriend hidden under their shared bed in Colorado. Prosecutors allege that Luis Antonio Mendez Hernandez killed Griselda Amarilis Lopez-Racancoj, 20, the mother of his child, shortly after she ended their relationship.
Discovery of the Crime Scene
Police arrested Hernandez last month following a gruesome find at the residence he shared with Lopez-Racancoj. Her body was located in white bin bags, stuffed beneath the bed. Residents at the home reported that Lopez-Racancoj had broken up with Hernandez on December 27, and they had argued that evening. She was not seen afterward.
Two female residents mentioned observing a figure under the couple’s bed. Investigators uncovered a six-inch steak knife in Hernandez’s bedroom wardrobe, stained with blood. Additionally, pillows showed blood patterns consistent with being pressed against a person’s face, suggesting possible smothering.
Hernandez’s Account to Police
When questioned, Hernandez claimed he returned home from work around 11 p.m. on December 29, showered, and went to bed beside Lopez-Racancoj, who he said was already asleep. He stated that he awoke at 3 a.m. to feed their crying child, then returned to bed and discovered her body cold and lifeless.
Hernandez explained he did not call emergency services due to shock and fear of blame. He suggested she might have been suicidal or harassed by another man, potentially leading to self-harm. He attributed scratches on his neck and chest to self-inflicted injuries and refused to discuss any wounds on her body.
Instead of alerting authorities, Hernandez admitted to wrapping the body in a blanket, hiding it under the bed, and conducting online searches on disposing of a body. Roommates noted receiving unusual text messages from him on December 28, where he described Lopez-Racancoj as suicidal. When pressed about her location, he declined to provide details.
Formal Charges and Detention
Authorities have charged Hernandez with three counts of murder—one count of first-degree murder after deliberation, one count of first-degree murder with extreme indifference, and one count of second-degree murder—along with one count of tampering with a deceased human body. He is currently detained in Summit County Jail on a $5 million bond.
For confidential support, call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit womensaid.co.uk. If you or your family have lost a friend or family member through fatal domestic abuse, AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) offers specialist support; visit www.aafda.org.uk for more information. For emotional support, contact the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a branch, or go to the Samaritans website.
