Podcast Summary: Into The Dark – Episode 108: The Stoplight Assassin
Host: Peyton Moreland
Release Date: February 26, 2025
Description: In this gripping episode, Peyton Moreland delves into the harrowing case of the "Stoplight Assassin," a serial killer whose random and brutal shootings terrorized the Los Angeles area. Through meticulous storytelling, Peyton unravels the sequence of events, the police investigation, and the eventual capture and trial of the perpetrator, Alexander Hernandez.
Introduction to the Stoplight Assassin
Peyton Moreland begins the episode by setting the stage for a series of unprovoked and violent shootings in Los Angeles. She emphasizes the randomness and senselessness of the crimes, highlighting the fear and confusion they generated within the community.
Notable Quote:
“Driving comes with many deadly risks... And even good drivers can lose control due to a mechanical malfunction or bad weather.” – Peyton Moreland [07:10]
The First Victim: Nicole Delamora
The narrative kicks off with the story of Nicole Delamora, a resident of Los Angeles, who becomes the first known victim of the Stoplight Assassin. On August 20, 2014, Nicole was driving to work when she noticed an unusual, large vehicle without headlights on the freeway. Initially dismissing it, her concern resurfaced as she approached a stop sign.
Key Details:
- Date & Time: August 20, 2014, before sunrise
- Incident: Unprovoked shooting by a stranger with a shotgun
- Nicole’s Reaction: Maintained composure despite severe injuries
Notable Quote:
“It was surreal, almost like I was dreaming,” – Nicole Delamora [17:45]
Nicole's ability to stay calm allowed her to take evasive action, driving toward a busier area to seek help. Despite severe blood loss and injuries, she survived the attack, marking a rare survival against such a random act of violence.
Escalation of the Murder Spree
Following Nicole's attack, the killer's rampage intensified rapidly. Within days, multiple individuals fell victim to the Stoplight Assassin, each attack more devastating than the last.
Subsequent Victims:
- Gildardo Morales - Killed while driving on August 21, 2014.
- Mariana Franco - A young adult in a wheelchair, murdered on August 24, 2014.
- Michael Planels - Shot in a parking lot on the same day as Mariana.
- Gloria Tovar - Killed while carpooling with a friend on August 24, 2014.
Notable Quote:
“He seemed to be picking his targets more or less at random,” – Peyton Moreland [22:15]
The killer, dubbed the "Valley Killer" by the police, targeted individuals indiscriminately, showing no personal connection or apparent motive. His vehicle—a tan SUV with distinctive features like a broken hood, custom spokes, and ominous stickers—became a critical identifier for the investigation.
Investigation and Identification
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) initiated a massive investigation, deploying 70 detectives to track down the perpetrator. Despite the randomness of the attacks, certain patterns emerged:
- Vehicle Identification: A tan SUV with unique modifications.
- Method of Attack: Close-range shootings with a shotgun.
- Behavior Pattern: The killer would stalk victims for blocks before attacking.
Notable Quote:
“The more I think about it, the more I just really don’t know,” – Peyton Moreland [35:50]
An essential breakthrough came when the police received a tip from an unrelated animal cruelty case. A man named Steve had helped a stranger, who introduced himself as Andy, jump-start his SUV. Days later, Steve found his pets brutally murdered in his yard, with surveillance footage revealing Andy as the perpetrator.
Capture of Alexander Hernandez
The footage provided a pivotal clue—the shooter's license plate number, leading the police to Alexander Hernandez. With a criminal history involving meth possession, dealing, and illegal firearms, Hernandez became the prime suspect.
Key Events Leading to Capture:
- Standoff: On August 24, 2014, after multiple murders, Hernandez barricaded himself at his home.
- Arrest: Following a prolonged standoff, SWAT teams apprehended him with a matched firearm.
Notable Quote:
“He was on a mass killing spree. It's important to police that they get him in custody.” – Peyton Moreland [48:20]
Trial and Legal Proceedings
Hernandez faced a litany of charges, including five counts of murder, eleven counts of attempted murder, and two counts of animal cruelty. Initially pleading no contest to animal cruelty and not guilty by reason of insanity for the other charges, the trial faced numerous delays, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
By spring 2022, Hernandez's trial commenced. Opting out of the insanity defense, he was ultimately found guilty on all charges after overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution.
Notable Quote:
“He was shooting children, he was shooting dogs, he was shooting adults... It just seems so senseless, so horrible.” – Peyton Moreland [55:30]
Victim Impact Statements and Sentencing
During sentencing, victims and their families shared their experiences:
-
Nicole Delamora: Expressed gratitude for the help she received and harbored no personal hatred toward Hernandez.
Quote:
“She was more focused on finding things to be grateful for in her own life.” – Peyton Moreland [60:15]
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Julian Archer: A prom night victim who forgave Hernandez, attributing his actions to mental health issues.
Quote:
“He believed that the Valley serial killer had been suffering from mental health issues during his attacks.” – Peyton Moreland [61:45]
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Family of Gildardo Morales: Shared heartfelt testimonies about his kindness and the void his death created.
Quote:
“I didn't get to hug him for the last time. I didn't get to say thank you for everything he provided for my family.” – Peyton Moreland [63:20]
The judge condemned Hernandez's actions, stating that labeling him as "evil" was insufficient, and emphasized that he should never be released.
Final Outcome: Alexander Hernandez was sentenced to five consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole, ensuring he would never threaten the community again.
Conclusion and Community Impact
Peyton Moreland reflects on the profound impact of Hernandez's spree on Los Angeles, a city already notorious for its driving hazards. The case left residents questioning the safety of their daily commutes and the identities of those sharing the road with them.
Notable Quote:
“These acts just seem so senseless, so horrible. He was shooting children, he was shooting dogs, he was shooting adults, people who had done nothing to him.” – Peyton Moreland [67:50]
The episode underscores the randomness of violent crimes and the deep scars they leave on a community, highlighting the resilience of survivors and the relentless pursuit of justice by law enforcement.
Final Thoughts: "The Stoplight Assassin" serves as a chilling reminder of the unpredictable nature of true crime. Peyton Moreland's detailed recounting not only documents the tragic events but also honors the victims and survivors, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the case and its broader implications.