Tearful vigil held for grandfather, 67, fatally stabbed at park in North Hollywood

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A candlelight vigil was held Monday evening for a 67-year-old grandfather who was fatally stabbed while walking in a park in North Hollywood.

Federico Hernandez, a father of eight, and a 61-year-old man were attacked at about 6:30 a.m. Saturday in Victory Vineland Recreation Center Park, in the 11100 block of Victory Boulevard. The second victim survived but was hospitalized in serious condition.

"He was able to put at least someone into college and that was me," Hernandez's daughter Maria Vazquez tearfully said at the vigil. "I was able to graduate and he was able to see me."

Family members said Hernandez was following his daily routine at the time of the incident, exercising, and collecting bottles and cans, at the park where he often took his grandchildren to play.

"We're suffering a lot," granddaughter Stephanie Vazquez said. "He was really known and a lovely guy. It's just really tough right now for my grandma."

Police said Hernandez was pronounced dead at the scene after being stabbed multiple times.

James Medrano, 29, was arrested nearby on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.

"He used to always tell us to go to school, study, do great in school," Emily Vazquez said of her grandfather. "He wanted the best for us. I'm grateful to have a grandpa like that."

Anyone with information about the attack is asked to call Det. Dave Peteque of the Los Angeles Police Department at (818) 374-1934.