Temecula Woman Suspected Of Murder Awaits Formal Charges

TEMECULA, CA — A Temecula woman who is the lone suspect in a fatal shooting last week remained jailed Tuesday night, and formal charges against her are expected on New Year's Eve.

Nicaela Andria Hernandez, 32, is being held at the Robert Presley Detention Center in Riverside on suspicion of murder, according to jail records.

The investigation into Hernandez began at approximately 6:43 p.m. Dec. 26 after deputies were called to a residence in the 31000 block of Sunflower Way in Temecula regarding an assault. At the scene, deputies found a woman with a fatal gunshot wound. The victim's identity was not released as of Tuesday.

During the investigation, detectives zeroed in on Hernandez. By 2:30 a.m. Dec. 27, she was placed under arrest, according to jail records. No other arrests were announced.

"No additional suspects are believed to be involved," the sheriff's department reported.

A possible motive for the alleged slaying was not disclosed, and it's unclear how Hernandez and the victim knew each other.

Hernandez has no documented criminal history in Riverside County, according to court records.