A $25,000 reward was offered Wednesday for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in the fatal beating of an 85-year-old Korean War veteran who was attacked as he took his usual walk in his Carson neighborhood.
Frank Hernandez was robbed and assaulted May 31 as he walked in the 300 block of East 220th Street. He died a week later in a hospital. At the sheriff's Carson Station Wednesday, authorities announced the reward and released a composite drawing of the attacker.
Hernandez was walking alone in his neighborhood when he was attacked in a crime that shocked family members and neighbors. Hernandez was struck once in the head, according to the sheriff's department. After he fell to the ground, the attacker went through his pockets and fled with his wallet.
Steve Hernandez said his father was taking his usual walk in the neighborhood and was on his way to buy a lottery ticket when he was ambushed from behind.
"He was lucky enough to retire relatively early, so he had quite a few years of just enjoying himself, living here in the community (for) almost 60 years," his son said Wednesday. "It would have been 60 years in October."
Anyone with information on the crime was urged to call the Sheriff's Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500.
