A 19-year-old man faces multiple murder charges after authorities discovered the dismembered body of his ex-girlfriend hidden under their shared bed in Colorado. Prosecutors allege that Luis Antonio Mendez Hernandez killed 20-year-old Griselda Amarilis Lopez-Racancoj, the mother of his child, shortly after she ended their relationship.
Discovery of the Body
Police arrested Hernandez last month following a search of the home he shared with Lopez-Racancoj. Officers found her remains in white bin bags stuffed beneath the bed. Residents at the home reported that the couple had argued and split up on December 27. One roommate noted she had not seen Lopez-Racancoj since that evening.
Two female residents mentioned spotting a figure under the bed in the couple’s room. Investigators recovered a six-inch steak knife from Hernandez’s wardrobe, stained with blood. They also found pillows showing blood patterns consistent with being pressed against a person’s face, suggesting possible smothering.
Hernandez’s Alleged Deception
When questioned by detectives, Hernandez claimed he returned home from work around 11 p.m. on December 29, showered, and went to bed beside Lopez-Racancoj, whom he said was already asleep. He stated that he woke 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. Instead, he suggested she might have taken her own life amid harassment from another man. He refused to address any potential injuries on her body and attributed scratches on his neck and chest to self-inflicted causes.
Rather than seeking help, Hernandez admitted to wrapping her body in a blanket, hiding it under the bed, and conducting online searches for body disposal methods. Roommates received unusual text messages from him on December 28, where he abruptly described Lopez-Racancoj as suicidal. When pressed about her location, he declined to provide details.
Charges and Current Status
Authorities have charged Hernandez with three counts of murder—including first-degree murder after deliberation, first-degree murder with extreme indifference, and second-degree murder—along with one count of tampering with a deceased human body. He remains in Summit County Jail on a $5 million bond.
Support Resources
For those affected by domestic abuse, the National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline offers 24-hour confidential support at 0808 2000 247 or through womensaid.org.uk. Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse (AAFDA) provides specialist support for families who have lost loved ones to fatal domestic incidents; visit aafda.org.uk for more information. Emotional support is available via the Samaritans helpline at 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, or at local branches and samaritans.org.
