Trial begins in death of woman

Tuesday, July 11, 2000 | 10:59 a.m.

Prosecutors were scheduled to begin building their case today in District Court at the trial of a Las Vegas man accused of killing his ex-wife in front of the couple's 3-year-old daughter.

Jury selection at the trial of Fernando Hernandez continued this morning, and opening statements were expected this afternoon.

Hernandez, 36, faces murder and other charges for the Oct. 6 slaying of Donna Hernandez. He could face the death penalty.

Hernandez was arrested while speeding near Searchlight hours after the beating and stabbing death of the 38-year-old Donna Hernandez inside her Clifton Court home.

The victim had sought numerous protection orders against her ex-husband, who allegedly threatened to kill her and kidnap their daughter, according to court records.

The girl was in the car with her father when police stopped him for speeding. Prosecutors allege the girl said, "Daddy hurt Mommy real bad," when questioned by a police officer.

The girl will not testify at the trial, but her statements will be introduced through police officers and family members.