Korean War Veteran Murdered: Cops Seek Answers

CARSON, CA –Authorities offered a $25,000 reward Wednesday for information that would lead to an arrest and conviction in the fatal beating of an 85-year-old Korean War veteran in Carson. Frank Hernandez was attacked and robbed the afternoon of May 31 as he walked in the 300 block of East 220th Street. He died a week later in a hospital.

Detectives held a mid-morning news conference with members of the victim's family to announce the reward and display a composite drawing of the suspect, described as an Hispanic man in his 20s, about 5 feet 7 inches tall with a medium build and dark hair.

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 attacked.

"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. "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.

City News Service and Patch staffer Emily Holland contributed to this post; Image via Shutterstock