On the morning of September 10, 2024, 47-year-old Lydia Kay Hernandez was shot in Mackenzie Park in Lubbock, Texas, and later died of her injuries at University Medical Center. Officers had been called about shots fired around 8:18 a.m. in the 300 block of Cesar E. Chavez Drive. A second victim, 55-year-old Angel Aleman, was found dead at the scene along with his dog, Monster.

Surveillance video showed Aleman and Hernandez walking near their vehicle when a gray SUV arrived at high speed. Two people exited the SUV, confronted the victims and opened fire, then fled in the vehicle. An anonymous tip led authorities to arrest brothers Justin and Joziah Aleman, nephews of Angel Aleman; both face two counts of murder and a charge of cruelty to non-livestock animals. During interviews Justin said he was present at the scene and Joziah said he had gone to the park intending a physical altercation with their uncle. Both are held at the Lubbock County Detention Center on bonds totaling more than $800,500 each.

Hernandez is remembered by family as a devoted mother and active community member; a memorial service was held September 26, 2024, at The Worship Center with inurnment at the City of Lubbock Cemetery. If anyone has information about what led to the confrontation that morning, please come forward.