WYOMING, Mich. — A 36-year-old man has been charged with open murder following the fatal assault of his stepfather in Wyoming, Michigan, last week. Jeremiah Hernandez was taken into custody after attacking 57-year-old David Goron on January 29, according to the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office.
The Wyoming Police Department reported that the assault occurred just after 6 p.m. on the evening of January 29. Hernandez is accused of attacking Goron, who was his stepfather, at their shared residence. In a probable cause affidavit, authorities said that Hernandez claimed he was “sent by God” to carry out the attack.
Despite being rushed to the hospital, Goron later succumbed to his injuries, and his death has been ruled a homicide. Hernandez fled the scene immediately after the assault but was apprehended shortly thereafter following a search by law enforcement.
Hernandez initially faced a charge of assault with intent to murder. However, following Goron’s death, the charges were upgraded to open murder. Open murder allows the court to consider various degrees of intent, giving prosecutors flexibility in pursuing the case.
In addition to the charges related to his stepfather’s death, Hernandez is facing charges in a separate incident that occurred the same day. According to court documents, Hernandez allegedly assaulted another individual and interfered with electronic communications.
The case has raised concerns over Hernandez’s mental state, particularly due to his statements regarding divine intervention. As the investigation continues, the community is left grappling with the tragic loss of David Goron and the troubling details surrounding his death.
Hernandez remains in custody as he awaits further court proceedings.
