Tuolumne County District Attorney Cassandra Jenecke announced today that on January 7, 2025, the Honorable Judge Kevin Seibert sentenced Prison Inmate Carlos Hernandez to 6 years plus 45 years to life in addition to other sentences he is currently serving. Mr. Hernandez, who is 49 years old, was convicted by a jury on December 12, 2024 of Second Degree Murder.
The murder occurred on October 6, 2021, in the Prison Industry Authority of Sierra Conservation Center, where inmates learn skills in sewing and garment construction. On that day, the defendant used a pair of scissors and a pair of thread snips to attack Hubert Watts, who was also an inmate that worked in the sewing factory. The defendant repeatedly slashed and stabbed Mr. Watts, even after Mr. Watts was no longer able to try to fend off Mr. Hernandez's attack. Mr. Hernandez ignored civilian staff orders to stop and continued the assault on Mr. Watts after a correctional officer utilized a collapsible baton to try to gain his compliance and commanded him to stop. Mr. Watts suffered thirteen slash wounds primarily to his face and head and a stab wound that pierced his heart.
At the sentencing, family members of Mr. Watts, who they lovingly referred to as J.R., talked about their loss and who J.R. was to them. J.R. was described as a big teddy bear, who althougth he struggled with addiction issues, was not a violent person. Prior to being sentenced on January 7, 2025, Mr. Hernandez made a statement to the Court where he said he would do the same thing again.
The family of Mr. Watts was supported by Victim Witness Advocate Hollie Brown. The case was investigated by Sierra Conservation Investigative Services Unit and was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Samantha Arnerich.
