Years After Tragedy: Ex-LAPD Officer Faces Arrest in Unarmed Man's Killing

The pursuit of justice, often a long and winding road, recently took a significant turn with the dramatic arrest of a former Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officer at LAX. Frank Hernandez, once a figure sworn to protect and serve, now faces renewed charges in connection with the tragic 2015 fatal shooting of Kenneth Edward Collins, an unarmed homeless man.

His apprehension at the bustling international airport signifies a critical development in a case that has haunted Los Angeles for nearly a decade.

The fateful encounter unfolded on September 23, 2015, in the bustling Skid Row area of downtown Los Angeles. Officers Hernandez and Ishmael Choate responded to a call regarding a man reportedly brandishing a knife.

The man was identified as Kenneth Edward Collins, a homeless individual grappling with mental health challenges. Accounts from the scene indicated that Collins was, in fact, holding a plastic spork – a seemingly innocuous utensil – not the deadly weapon described in the initial report. Despite this, the situation escalated rapidly, culminating in Hernandez discharging his firearm, ending Collins' life.

This incident immediately sparked outrage and ignited a fierce debate about police conduct, particularly concerning interactions with vulnerable populations like the homeless and mentally ill.

The District Attorney's office initially filed involuntary manslaughter charges against Hernandez, acknowledging the profound concerns surrounding the shooting. However, in a controversial move that frustrated advocates for justice, a judge later dismissed the case, citing insufficient evidence to proceed to trial.

This dismissal was a bitter pill for many, seemingly closing the door on accountability.

Yet, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office, under the leadership of George Gascón, refused to let the matter rest. Emphasizing a commitment to holding officers accountable when their actions lead to wrongful death, the DA's office made the rare decision to refile the involuntary manslaughter charge against Hernandez.

This determined stance underscores a broader effort to re-examine past incidents involving officer-involved shootings and ensure that every case receives a thorough and just review, especially when serious questions of proportionality and justification arise.

The re-arrest of Hernandez at LAX, as he prepared to board a flight, sends a powerful message: the wheels of justice, though sometimes slow, continue to turn.

For the family and advocates of Kenneth Edward Collins, this development represents a renewed hope for closure and accountability after years of legal battles and uncertainty. It also brings into sharp focus the ongoing national conversation about police reform, the use of force, and the imperative to protect all citizens, especially those marginalized by society.

As Hernandez now faces the legal system once more, the city watches, hopeful that this time, a definitive resolution will be reached, ensuring that justice, in its fullest sense, prevails.