Rockford man reported missing Jan. 4 found dead in Ogle County barn Jan. 10

Online Staff Report

The body of 52-year-old Rockford resident Francisco Hernandez was found in an abandoned farmhouse off Edson Road in Ogle County Jan. 10. Hernandez had been reported missing by family members Jan. 4.

Working off information gained through their investigation, Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department detectives located Hernandez’s body late in the evening Jan. 10. Trauma to the body was noted, and detectives believe Hernandez is the victim of an apparent murder.

Rafael J. Lopez-Cardona, 29, of Rockford, has been arrested and charged with concealing a homicide. He is lodged in the Winnebago County Jail.

Meantime, the investigation into Hernandez’s death is ongoing and an autopsy will be conducted in Ogle County to determine the cause of death.

Hernandez was last seen by his family members Tuesday, Jan. 3. The reported him missing Jan. 4 and said he was last seen on the afternoon of Jan. 3 when he left his home on Shelburne to collect rent for rental property.

When Hernandez left home, he was driving a white 2004 Chevrolet pick-up with Illinois 19128T. The vehicle had lettering on the sides with F&S Landscaping. This is a business owned by Hernandez. The vehicle had since been found abandoned in Crystal Lake.

Anyone with information about Hernandez’s death is asked to call the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Police at (815) 319-6300.

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