Father of 3 paralyzed after being shot in front of his children outside his Southern California business

A local business owner and father of three may be unable to walk again after being shot outside his Christian bookstore.

Luis Hernandez was shot in the 700 block of South Alvarado Street on April 6.

Hernandez was closing up his business for the night when a suspect hopped out of a gray Toyota Camry and opened fire. The victim was shot in front of his wife and three children.

The bullet struck Hernandez in his lower spine, and he may not be able to walk again due to his severe injuries.

“The doctors were able to get the bullet out of his spine,” Hernandez’s cousin, Nora Flores, told KTLA. “They did let us know that he won’t be able to walk.”

Flores adds that the family is still trying to come to grips with the injuries Hernandez sustained.

  • Luis Hernandez was shot outside of his Christian bookstore business in front of his wife and kids on April 6. His family told KTLA that the father of 3 may not be able to walk again on April 13, 2024. (Nora Flores)
    Luis Hernandez was shot outside of his Christian bookstore business in front of his wife and kids on April 6. His family told KTLA that the father of 3 may not be able to walk again on April 13, 2024. (Nora Flores)
  • Luis Hernandez is recovering from injuries he sustained after being shot in front of his family on April 6 outside of their business in the Westlake area. His cousin spoke with KTLA on April 13, 2024. (Nora Flores)
    Luis Hernandez is recovering from injuries he sustained after being shot in front of his family on April 6 outside of their business in the Westlake area. His cousin spoke with KTLA on April 13, 2024. (Nora Flores)
  • Luis Hernandez was shot outside his Christian bookstore business in the Westlake area just outside downtown Los Angeles on April 6. His family told KTLA that the father of three may not be able to walk again on April 13, 2024. (KTLA)
    Luis Hernandez was shot outside his Christian bookstore business in the Westlake area just outside downtown Los Angeles on April 6. His family told KTLA that the father of three may not be able to walk again on April 13, 2024. (KTLA)
  • Luis Hernandez, pictures here with his wife, was shot in front of his three children outside their family business on April 6. There are two suspects in the case. His family spoke with KTLA on April 13, 2024. (Nora Flores)
    Luis Hernandez, pictures here with his wife, was shot in front of his three children outside their family business on April 6. There are two suspects in the case. His family spoke with KTLA on April 13, 2024. (Nora Flores)

“We’re just trying to process that news,” Flores said. “It’ll definitely change everything in his life.”

The Los Angeles Police Department says the two suspects are a Hispanic male and a Hispanic female. No further details have been provided about the two individuals.

Flores started a GoFundMe to help with Hernandez’ medical bills and to support his family as he recovers.

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