California Father Accused of 'Traumatizing' Attack That Left 2 of His Children Dead, 2 Injured: Police
At the home, police said they found the victim tied to a tree.
Nov. 3 2023, Published 4:30 p.m. ET
A California man was arrested after two of his children were killed and two others hospitalized after an alleged “attack” inside their home, RadarOnline.com has learned.
Shortly before midnight on Oct. 28, the mother of the victims called 911 and requested help because her children were being harmed, as Front Page Detectives reported.
Neighbors of the suspect called 911 for a welfare check after seeing water come out of his home, officials said.
Responding officers found four children suffering serious injuries in a bedroom at the house.
The victims, who were reportedly all under the age of 10, were transported to a local hospital. Two of the children were pronounced dead at the hospital and the other two young victims were listed in stable condition.
Buchanan was transported to the hospital, where she would die from her injuries.
"We don't know where exactly the attack occurred, but they were all found in one bedroom," Lt. Daniel Vizcarra told KABC-TV. "It's extremely difficult. This is traumatizing for everybody who's involved. All the deputies who responded, all the parties involved, the investigators, everyone."
Prospero Serna, the father of the four children, was initially detained as a person of interest while detectives investigated the scene, authorities said.
Hardin was found in a Louisiana motel and is waiting extradition back to Georgia to face charges in the death of his wife.
- 5-Year-Old California Boy Dies After Twin Brother Allegedly Fatally Stabs Him During Argument
- Detective 'Murdered Pregnant Mistress and Tried to Make It Look Like Suicide to Stop Her From Revealing He Raped Her When She was 15'
- Rock Shock: Son of Legendary '60s Musician Accused of Murdering Girlfriend in Las Vegas After Body Found on Highway — And Is Person of Interest in Second Killing
Video footage obtained from the night of the attack showed a physical struggle occur when officers attempted to detain Serna, KABC-TV reported.
Several officers were required to pin Serna to the ground so he could be taken into custody.
Hatcher will now spend 5-12 years in prison for his crimes.
After investigating the incident, officials said they had enough evidence to place Serna under arrest for murder and child abuse.
Serna refused to cooperating with the investigation, according to authorities.
Never miss a story — sign up for the RadarOnline.com newsletter to get your daily dose of dope. Daily. Breaking. Celebrity news. All free.
Powered by RedCircle
Because of confidentiality laws, the Department of Children and Family Services declined to comment on the investigation and the family involved.
"It's painful to hear two siblings were murdered and two others were hurt allegedly by their father," Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said. "The County has made strides in bringing more social workers to serve the Antelope Valley and is investing in child abuse prevention programs that strengthen families…I have a lot of unanswered questions and will continue tracking this case closely."