SCRANTON, LACKWANNA CO. (WOLF) — Scranton police say an 18-year-old woman died following a domestic incident in West Scranton, leading to the arrest of her boyfriend on aggravated assault charges.
Officers were dispatched Monday, December 29, to the rear of a property along West Locust Street after receiving a report of a woman who was not breathing. When police arrived, they found Rose Hernandez, 18, of Scranton, lying in a large amount of blood. She was rushed to Geisinger Community Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.
Investigators determined Hernandez’s injuries were consistent with being struck by a vehicle.
Police identified Joseph Garcia, 18, of South Carolina, as Hernandez’s boyfriend and spoke with him during the investigation. According to police, Garcia told officers the two had been involved in a verbal argument that escalated. He stated Hernandez attempted to get into his vehicle, but he did not want her inside.
Police say Garcia admitted driving away while Hernandez was holding onto the vehicle. During the incident, Hernandez was struck by another vehicle. Garcia later told investigators that when he stopped, he saw Hernandez on the ground.
During a follow-up interview at Scranton Police Headquarters, Garcia acknowledged the argument became physical and that Hernandez grabbed the vehicle’s door handle as he accelerated away, police said.
Garcia has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault and was arraigned at the Lackawanna County Criminal Justice Center. He remains in custody.
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An autopsy for Hernandez is scheduled for today as part of the ongoing investigation. Police say the case remains active, and anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Scranton Police Department.