LANCASTER, CA – A three-year-old boy was found unresponsive with a slash wound in a Lancaster home late Tuesday evening. Authorities responded to the incident in the 43400 block of 57th Street West shortly before 11 p.m.
Upon arrival, deputies initiated CPR on the child and subsequently rushed him to a local hospital. Tragically, the young boy, identified as David Jacques Hernandez, was pronounced dead upon arriving at the hospital, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reports. Deputies also discovered a laceration on the toddler’s upper body.
A man present at the home during the incident, Rena Naulls, 39, was hospitalized after an alleged suicide attempt. Naulls, Hernandez’s mother’s boyfriend, has been identified as a person of interest in the ongoing investigation. He had been residing in the same home.
Three other children were living in the household who remained unharmed during the incident. Following the event, they have been placed in protective custody.
The incident has left the local community in shock. Neighbor Gabriel Rodriguez, who often witnessed the children playing outside, expressed his disbelief. He noted that such an event is unprecedented in the 15 years he has lived in the area.
As the investigation continues, no arrests have been made, and no further injuries have been reported. The authorities urge anyone with relevant information to contact homicide investigators.