Luis Antonio Mendez Hernandez was arrested on Dec. 30 in connection with the death of his 20-year-old girlfriend, Griselda Amarilis Lopez-Racancoj, whose dismembered body was found in a trash bag under the bed at their Frisco residence.
At a Glance
- Hernandez faces first-degree murder and tampering charges.
- Body discovered under the bed on Dec. 29.
- He was held on a $5 million bond set by Judge Reed Owens.
- Why it matters: The case highlights the severity of domestic violence and the legal consequences that follow.
Introduction
The Frisco Police Department received a medical emergency call on Dec. 29 from the couple’s home. Investigators discovered Lopez-Racancoj’s body in a trash bag beneath their bed, prompting a search warrant and the subsequent arrest of Hernandez the next day.
Arrest and Charges
Hernandez was taken into custody on suspicion of:
- First-degree murder
- First-degree murder with extreme indifference
- Second-degree murder
- Tampering with a deceased human body
The arrest was detailed in a court-unsealed affidavit obtained by local media. Hernandez was previously charged in November 2025 with assault and child abuse, for which he posted a $20,000 cash surety bond.
Discovery of Body and Investigation
Police arrived at the scene after a midday call. They found a white trash bag stuffed under the bed containing Lopez-Racancoj’s dismembered body. A search warrant was executed, and evidence was collected.
During the investigation, officers noted:
- A steak knife covered in blood in the bedroom closet.
- Blood-stained pillows suggesting they may have been held to a face.
- Scratches on Hernandez’s neck, arms, and chest, which he claimed were self-inflicted.
A roommate reported receiving “strange” texts from Hernandez the night before the body was found, claiming Lopez-Racancoj was suicidal.
Hernandez’s Statements and Allegations
In a post-Miranda interview, Hernandez said he returned home at about 11 p.m. on Dec. 27 and found his girlfriend asleep. He claimed she was cold to the touch and “obviously deceased” when he tried to snuggle with her. He admitted he did not call 911 or attempt CPR because he was in shock.
When questioned about the injuries, Hernandez named another man who had allegedly been “harassing her” and suggested she may have committed suicide. He also confessed to wrapping the body and hiding it under the bed, while researching how to dispose of it on his phone and considering running to Mexico.
Legal Proceedings and Bond
Hernandez is currently held at the Summit County jail. A $5 million cash surety bond was set by 5th Judicial District Judge Reed Owens. The Summit County Coroner’s Office has not yet released the autopsy report or cause of death.
The Frisco Police Department and the Summit County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding the case.
Current Status and Responses
The case remains in early stages. Hernandez’s arrest and the evidence collected suggest a serious investigation is underway. Local authorities are likely to seek further information from witnesses, including the roommate who reported the texts.
Key takeaways:
- The discovery of a dismembered body under a bed is a rare and alarming circumstance.
- Hernandez faces multiple severe charges, including first-degree murder.
- The bond amount reflects the gravity of the allegations.
- Investigation details, such as the blood-stained pillow and the steak knife, point to a potential crime scene.
The legal process will determine whether Hernandez’s claims about suicide and an alleged harasser hold up under scrutiny. As the investigation continues, authorities will likely release more information on the victim’s cause of death and the motive behind the alleged crime.
Key Takeaways
- Hernandez arrested on Dec. 30 for murder of his girlfriend.
- Body found in trash bag under bed on Dec. 29.
- Facing first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and tampering charges.
- Held on a $5 million bond set by Judge Reed Owens.
- Investigation includes blood-stained evidence and alleged texts indicating possible suicide.
