Belinda Hernandez.Photo: Shadycrest Elementary
A former Houston police sergeant pleaded guilty on Friday to the2019 murder of his school librarian wife, and was sentenced to spend decades behind bars, PEOPLE confirms.
Hilario Hernandez was sentenced to 40 years in prison, with credit for the 826 days he has spent in jail since his arrest, Brazoria County court records show.
The couple had been married for more than 30 years.KTRK reportsthat authorities still do not know the motive for the killing.
Hilario Hernandez.
At the time of her death, the Pearland ISD issued a statement saying, “Mrs. Hernandez was a beloved, longtimeemployee who worked for Pearland ISD for 15 years. Pearland ISD will provide counselors for students and staff for as long as needed.”
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The couple’s daughter, Christina Foos, who became an educator in Pearland like her mother, faced her father in court on Friday, reports KTRK.
“It’s definitely been a long two years,” she told the outlet in an interview with the station. “A devastating situation for my brother and myself. Essentially, that day, we lost both our parents. Mainly, what I made the focus about was her and her legacy. I made that known in the speech that it is no longer about him and it’s completely about her.”
Hernandez' attorney, Steve O. Gonzalez, did not immediately return PEOPLE’s request for comment.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
source: people.com
