In December of 2019, family members of Katherine Mary Neitzke, a 33-year old from Hemet, reported her missing after not being able to contact her. Investigators from the Perris Station began to investigate the disappearance of Neitzke. During the course of their investigation, they uncovered evidence that led them to believe Neitzke was the victim of a homicide and identified a possible suspect.
In June of 2021, the Central Homicide Unit assumed the investigation. Central Homicide Unit investigators determined Neitzke’s boyfriend, Hugo Leonel Hernandez, age 44, murdered Nietzke and disposed of her body at an unknown location near Highway 74 (Ortega Hwy). In January of 2022, investigator’s located Hernandez in Oceanside, San Diego.
He was arrested and booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center for murder. This is an active investigation and anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Investigator Gilbert of the Central Homicide Unit at (951) 955-2777.
For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.
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