unsolved homicide: paula hernandez
Victim: Paula Hernandez, DOB: 11-6-67
Address: 3106 Glen Ora
Date: August 26, 1996
Cause of Death: Gunshot Wound
On Monday, August 26, 1996 at about 10:10 p.m. Paula Hernandez was driven home from work by her friend, Randy Salazar. As Salazar pulled into Hernandez' driveway, an unknown subject fired several shots. Hernandez was struck and fatally wounded.
Hernandez was taken by private vehicle to Brackenridge Hospital where she was pronounced dead. According to the Medical Examiner's Office Hernandez was killed by a gunshot wound.
Hernandez left behind four children who were 12, 11, 9 and 8 at the time of her death. She had just recently started a new job as a saleswoman at a shoe store. According to family members and friends, Hernandez was a lovable people-person and a loving mother.
The suspect was described as:
- White or Hispanic male
- 5'5" to 5'8" tall, slender but muscular build
- Short hair
- Last seen wearing a white cap and white baggy T-shirt.
- Also wearing a dark colored bandana over the lower half of his face.
The suspect vehicle was described as:
- Dark colored older model passenger car
- Similar in size and shape to an Oldsmobile Cutlass or Buick Regal
- Vehicle may have been sitting in or near Glen Ora Street several minutes prior to the shooting
- Suspect fled south toward Glen Allen Street
Detectives believe the suspect was waiting for the victim to arrive home and ambushed her as she and her friend pulled into the driveway.
Homicide investigators are asking anyone with information concerning this case to please call the APD homicide tip line at (512) 477-3588 or the Homicide Detail at (512) 974-5210. The Homicide Detail can also be contacted by e-mail at homicide@ci.austin.tx.us
