PEARLAND, Texas — The HPD sergeant charged with murdering his wife was relieved of duty with pay Monday. Court records show the victim once asked county courts for protection.
Belinda Hernandez filed for divorce from her husband, Hilario February 21, 1990, according to court records online. The next day her lawyer asked for and received a temporary restraining order. Less than a month later, at Belinda’s request, a judge dismissed the entire case, court records showed.
That was decades ago, though. Those who knew the beloved Pearland ISD librarian and her husband told KHOU 11 News they saw no signs of trouble until Saturday. The couple’s daughter found Belinda shot to death.
According to prosecutor’s probable cause document, a friend of the family thinks Hilario was upset with his wife’s “perceived flirting” with another man one day prior to the shooting.
Hernandez told his lieutenant at HPD after the shooting that “he would kill himself,” according to the probable cause document.
Instead, he fled three hours south to Kingsville. Police and DPS troopers arrested him and sent Hernandez back to Brazoria County to face a murder charge.
Sgt. Hilario Hernandez had an $800,000 bond.
HPD Chief Art Acevedo tweeted condolences to his relieved officer’s family.
“Our hearts go out to Belinda Hernandez, her children, friends and colleagues,” Chief Acevedo tweeted. “Please keep them in your prayers.”