Tragic Death of 3-Year-Old in Lancaster: The Heartbreaking Murder Case of David Jacques Hernandez

Feb 14

Lancaster, California, was shaken to its core in February 2024 when 3-year-old David Jacques Hernandez was tragically killed in what authorities are calling a brutal and senseless attack. The boy's mother’s live-in boyfriend, 39-year-old Rena Lydell Naulls, has been arrested and charged in connection with his death. The case has left the community in shock, and the legal process continues as justice is pursued for young David.

The Incident

On the morning of February 20, 2024, Los Angeles County deputies responded to a call from a Lancaster home on 57th Street West, where a young child had been found unconscious and bleeding. The child, identified as David, had severe injuries to his neck. Despite efforts to revive him, David was pronounced dead after being rushed to the hospital.

Naulls, who had been living in the household with David’s mother and three other children, was found at the scene with self-inflicted injuries. He was hospitalized before being taken into police custody. Authorities quickly determined that David had been killed with a knife, and they began building a case against Naulls.

The Arrest and Charges

Rena Naulls has been charged with one count of murder, one count of assault on a child causing death, and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, among other charges. Prosecutors allege that the crime was committed with great violence and cruelty, noting that Naulls personally used a knife in the attack. The details of the crime suggest that it involved extreme bodily harm, and there were signs of viciousness, callousness, and a high degree of violence.

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, saying, "My heart is broken for the toddler whose life was taken before he even had a chance to live." He promised that his office would pursue justice for David and his family with "unwavering determination."

Naulls is being held on a $3,245,000 bail and is scheduled for arraignment on April 24, 2025, at the Antelope Valley Courthouse. If convicted as charged, Naulls faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is handling the investigation, and authorities have been working to uncover all the details surrounding the crime.

A Devastating Loss

The death of David Jacques Hernandez has left the Lancaster community reeling. Children are meant to be safe in their own homes, surrounded by love and protection. The fact that this young boy’s life was taken by someone who should have been a protector only adds to the heartache. The case has sparked deep discussions about the importance of child safety, and the tragic loss is something that the community will struggle to move on from.

David’s mother, who was not home at the time of the murder, has been left to cope with the unimaginable grief of losing her child. The trauma and pain experienced by the family are compounded by the brutal nature of the crime. The community has rallied around the family, offering support and expressing their sympathy for the loss.

Rena Naulls’ Suicide

In a grim turn of events, it was reported that Rena Naulls committed suicide while in jail on February 2, 2025. This shocking development has added another layer of complexity to the case. Naulls' death raises questions about the mental state of the individual charged with such a heinous crime. While the case was still under investigation, his death means that the legal system will not be able to fully pursue justice for David through the court system.

The suicide has left many in the community wondering if it was a form of escape for Naulls, or if it was a result of the immense guilt he may have felt for his actions. Regardless of his fate, the real victims of this tragedy are David’s family and the community that must now come to terms with the loss of such a young, innocent life.

Legal Proceedings and Pursuit of Justice

With Naulls’ suicide, the legal proceedings have taken a dramatic turn. David's family and the community still seek justice, hoping that Naulls’ death won’t close the chapter on holding anyone accountable for the tragedy. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office remains committed to ensuring that those responsible for David’s death face justice, even if that now means a different route than initially anticipated.

David’s case is now a somber reminder of the importance of paying attention to signs of abuse, particularly in homes where there may be underlying tension or past criminal history. Naulls’ criminal record and his possession of a firearm indicate that he may have been a dangerous figure within the household, and authorities are likely to continue examining the circumstances surrounding his relationship with David's mother.

The Community’s Response

The impact of David’s death on the Lancaster community cannot be overstated. Parents are more aware than ever of the dangers that can lurk even in their own homes, and the case has prompted an outpouring of grief and solidarity. Local organizations have stepped forward to offer resources for counseling and support to those affected by the loss.

As the investigation into David’s death continues, the community is working hard to ensure that such a tragedy is prevented in the future. Child advocacy groups have called for more public awareness on the signs of abuse and neglect and have urged residents to be vigilant in protecting children

The tragic death of David Jacques Hernandez serves as a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating consequences of violence. While justice for David will not come in the form of a trial due to Naulls' suicide, the loss of this young boy has ignited a renewed focus on child safety, awareness, and community support.

As the community processes this heartbreaking event, it is important to keep David’s memory alive and to continue pushing for a world where children are safe from harm. David’s death is a loss that no one should have to endure, and the hope is that this tragedy will inspire others to take action in protecting vulnerable children from harm.