WINTER HAVEN, Fla (WFLA) — The family of 20-year-old Sierra Hernandez is having a tough time.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced they recovered her body after she was reported missing, and that she was murdered.
But days before the sheriff’s press conference, Hernandez’s father, Christopher “Shawn” Hernandez was arrested along with four others who went searching for her.
Man wanted in 2 Polk County homicides taken into custody
“The most important thing is getting them out of jail and getting that guy who did this into jail,” said Trey Stokes, the victim’s cousin.
Sierra’s father, her brother, and three others searched a home on Avenue T in Auburndale after receiving a text from someone claiming to have information on her disappearance.
“A text came in, and the text said, ‘girl dead, body burned in yard,”’ Stokes said. “I believe they had an address that was given to them.”
Affidavits obtained by 8 On Your Side state all five people were arrested at the home and face charges that include tampering with physical evidence.