Juan Hernandez's Body Found In Barstow, 2 Arrested: LAPD

LOS ANGELES, CA — A man and woman have been arrested on suspicion of killing Juan "Cookie" Hernandez, a 21-year old Los Angeles native who had been missing since September 22. Ethan Astaphan and Sonita Heng were booked at LAPD jail Thursday night and are currently being held on $10 million bail.

Hernandez' family reported him missing on the night of September 22, after he did not return home from his work shift at an L.A. dispensary. Days later, his abandoned car was discovered idling in an alley near Figueroa St. with his phone, wallet and keys missing.

LAPD said Hernandez' body was found on November 15 in a shallow grave along Afton Canyon Road near Barstow. Although an official cause of death was not immediately announced, police said the body "appeared to be the victim of a homicide."

On November 19, LAPD Detectives served a search warrant at Astaphan and Heng's houses, and subsequently arrested them on suspicion of murder.

Hernandez' mother wrote an emotional message in memoriam of her son, and thanked the community for their support on Instagram.

"It breaks my heart to have to inform everyone that Juan Carlos Hernandez is no longer missing," she said. "Juan’s body was found on Sunday and is he is in heaven watching over us. Thank you everyone for your love and support. Know that the Hernandez family appreciates everything everyone has done for us. Rest In Peace Juan. I’ll hold you in my heart until we meet again."

The family has set up a GoFundMe to help cover wages that were lost during the extensive search efforts, and appreciates all donations.

Astaphan and Heng have not yet been formally charged, and the investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Jaramillo and Detective Hammer at 213-486-6840.

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