Murder/ Francisco Hernandez Case

On Wednesday January 4, 2012 family members of the Francisco Hernandez came to the Winnebago County Justice Center to report him missing.

Hernandez is 52yrs old (DOB 11-14-59) and lived on Shelburne in Rockford.

An intense investigation was initiated by Detectives of the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department. Information developed during the course of the investigation led to the discovery of Francisco Hernandez’ body on the late evening of Tuesday 1-10-12. His body was found in a barn in an abandoned farm house off of Edson Road in Ogle County, Illinois. Trauma was noted to the body and Hernandez is the victim of an apparent murder.

Rafael J. Lopez-Cardona 29yrs old (DOB 10-23-82) of Rockford was charged with Concealing a Homicide. He is in the Winnebago County Jail. Further investigation and review by the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office has led to the issuance of a warrant for First Degree Murder for Miguel Garcia (male/ DOB 4-10-68). Garcia is also known as Jose R. Rojas and Miguel Hernandez. Garcia is last known to have lived at 1731 Samuelson Rd in Rockford.

Anyone with information on Garcia is asked to call the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department (815/319-6400) or Crime Stoppers (815/963-7867).

The charges against Cardona and Garcia are merely accusations. They are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Photos of both accompany this release. The investigation is on-going.

Deputy Chief Dominic Iasparro
319-6416

Miguel Garcia	Rafael J. Lopez-Cardona