Williamson County, Illinois – July 9, 2025 — Authorities have filed first-degree murder charges against two suspects in connection with the killing of Richard Frank John Hernandez, whose body was discovered inside an abandoned residence on June 30. The development marks a major step forward in a complex investigation that has gripped the Williamson County community.
On the evening of June 30, deputies with the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a deceased person in the 8000 block of Chittyville Road. Upon arrival, deputies located the body of 38-year-old Richard Frank John Hernandez inside an abandoned home. At the request of the Sheriff’s Office, Illinois State Police Crime Scene Investigators were called in to process the scene for forensic evidence.
An autopsy performed the following day, July 1, confirmed that Hernandez died from multiple gunshot wounds, and the case was officially classified as a homicide.
As detectives with the Sheriff’s Office and partner agencies continued to investigate, they uncovered additional criminal activity tied to the suspects, including armed robbery and unlawful restraint. A critical breakthrough came when one of the suspects confessed, offering specific details about the murder of Richard Hernandez. That confession was later corroborated by multiple witness statements and physical evidence from the crime scene.
On July 3, suspects Anthony R. Henderson and Wyatt P. Holland were arrested in connection with a separate armed robbery case. They were formally charged with that crime on July 5, but investigators soon linked them to the homicide as well.
On July 9, Williamson County State’s Attorney Ted Hampson officially filed First Degree Murder charges against both Henderson and Holland in the death of Richard Frank John Hernandez.
In a public statement, Sheriff Jeff Diederich praised the efforts of the investigative team:
“Our Deputies, Investigators, and partner agencies have worked diligently to bring justice in this case. We remain committed to protecting our community by ensuring violent offenders are held accountable.”
The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office also extended gratitude to the Williamson County Fire Department, the Herrin Police Department, the Illinois State Police Crime Scene Unit, and State’s Attorney Ted Hampson for their crucial assistance throughout the investigation.
Authorities continue to encourage anyone with additional information about the murder of Richard Frank John Hernandez or any related criminal activity to contact the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office at 618-997-6541 or to “Submit A Tip” through the Williamson County Sheriff’s App, available on the App Store and Google Play. Tips can be submitted anonymously.
As the case against Anthony Henderson and Wyatt Holland proceeds through the legal system, the community remembers Richard Hernandez—a life lost to violence—and looks to the justice system for accountability and closure.
