Greenfield murder suspect arrested in Mexico

Investigators with the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office have arrested the prime suspect wanted in a Greenfield murder.

With the help of Mexican authorities and the U.S. Marshals, Ernesto Hernandez, 28, of Soledad was arrested in Mexico on April 18. He is accused of killing Abigail Chavez, 19, at her mother’s home on Seventh Street on March 29.

Police said Chavez and Hernandez had a two-year-old child together. Authorities add Hernandez was a known gang-member.

Hernandez was arraigned on first-degree murder charges at the Monterey County Superior Court where he pleaded not guilty. He will be back in court on May 11 for a preliminary calendar call.