SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio boy who turned 16 on Monday has been certified to stand trial as an adult in connection with the strangulation death of 17-year-old Kaitlin Hernandez.
The decision for Daryl Barrera to be tried in the adult legal system was determined by a judge during a certification and transfer hearing on Monday in a juvenile courtroom. The outcome of the hearing determined how the case would proceed in the legal system.
Barrera was 15 years old when he was charged with capital murder in the death of Hernandez.
Hernandez, a Roosevelt High School senior, was found dead in a drainage ditch under a bridge in the 7600 block of Oak Dell Drive in March. She was less than a half-mile from her home.
SAPD Detective Randal Hines said Hernandez was found naked from the waist down and had multiple bruises and signs of strangulation.
Authorities said she had gone for a walk with Barrera but never returned.
Barrera, who returned home without her, was later arrested and charged after police linked DNA and other evidence to the crime.
His DNA was later confirmed to be found on her neck, fingernails and several places on her body.
During the hearing Monday, a psychologist testified that Barrera admitted to having a porn addiction and killing 20 raccoons and several dogs with a hunting knife and with his bare hands.
The hearing also revealed that Barrera’s biological father abused him and his biological mother was in and out of prison.
An aunt of the suspect adopted him and his brother and she tried to get counseling for the teen and tried having him admitted to the Laurel Ridge mental health clinic, but according to the probation office they told her that Barrera wasn’t a danger to himself or others and denied his admission.
The psychologist also testified that Barrera admitted to self-harm and tried committing suicide at least eight times.
Barrera had his bond set at $250,000 and is now awaiting indictment.
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