Fresno Man Admits He and Coconspirator Murdered Family of Five in Their Home, including Three Children

NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – December 21, 2023

SAN DIEGO – Christopher Baltezar Hernandez of Fresno, California, pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting that he and another man stalked and fatally shot a family of five – including three children - in their Tijuana home on December 3, 2021.  

According to court records, Hernandez traveled from Fresno, California, to Tijuana, Mexico, through San Diego, armed with an assault rifle, .223 caliber ammunition, and two revolver speed loaders on December 3, 2021. That same day, Hernandez met up with codefendant Victor Aguilar, who has already pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.

Both Hernandez and Aguilar, armed with a .223 assault rifle and revolver and wearing dark clothes and gloves, traveled to the victims’ residence in Tijuana. According to the plea agreement, which identified the victims by their initials, the defendants shot and killed J.H. and her eight-year-old daughter, A.M.M., in the kitchen. G.M.V. was shot and killed while attempting to shield the other two children behind a bedroom door. The door was forced open and nine-year-old A.M. and four-year-old S.M. were each shot in the head.

Prior to the murders, Hernandez and Aguilar had researched the victims’ address and the surrounding area over 200 times. Hernandez also bought the parts and built a fully functional .223 caliber assault rifle as well as a pair of revolver speed loaders. On the day of the murders, Hernandez and Aguilar acquired a revolver in Tijuana, Mexico.

A sentencing hearing for Hernandez is scheduled for March 18, 2024, at 10 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Linda Lopez. Aguilar’s sentencing hearing is currently scheduled for June 26, 2024, also before Judge Lopez.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mario Peia, Matthew Brehm and Fred Sheppard.

DEFENDANTS                                             Case Number 22cr778-LL                              

Christopher Baltezar Hernandez                    Age: 27                                   Fresno, CA

Victor Armondo Aguilar                                Age: 22                                   Tijuana, MX

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Conspiracy to Murder – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1117

Maximum penalty: Life in prison

Stalking Resulting in Death – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2261A

Maximum penalty: Life in prison

AGENCY

Federal Bureau of Investigation

San Diego County Sheriff’s Department