Man charged with killing Good Samaritan has new attorney

Eduardo Tolentino , 27 years of age, was in El Centro court on Monday. He had a new attorney and a new pre-trial date. He even smiled a little. The victim’s mother was in court, as well. She was in pain.

Rachel Hernandez, victim’s mother, said, “It makes me feel angry, upset, hurt, because he comes out with an attitude, un-remorseful attitude.”

He’s accused of shooting to death 24-year-old Daniel Hernandez, Jr. A young man who was like a brother to him.

“He was trying to help him stay out of trouble, trying to help him, get him to live a better life,” Rachel said.

Rachel said Hernandez was like everyone’s Good Samaritan.

” He was a young boy that had immeasurable faith. He grew up as a young boy knowing the lord. That was his passion to help, to help everyone, the down and out , the lonely, the person out there, it didn’t matter who it was, ” Rachel said.

She remembers the last day she saw him alive.

” He dropped off the kids and he was really happy; he was very happy. He had a good day with the kids at the water park and he told me, mom, I’ll be right back. He gave me a kiss and he left and he never came back home, ” Rachel said.

He didn’t get to see his two young kids graduate from kindergarten.

” My granddaughter graduated last year from kindergarten and she couldn’t even go through the service. She ran home. She couldn’t partake in it, ” Rachel said.

His youngest graduated this week proudly wearing his sash.

“And his first reaction when he came home was, grandma, I want to take this to my daddy,” Rachel said.
Faith holds the family together and their belief in justice.

” My hope is in the lord who carries me through every day, that’s who carries me through. And I know that justice will be served. Justice will be done, ” Rachel said.

Tolentino’s next court date is on July 1 st . He remains in custody without bail.