Loved ones remember Las Cruces Police officer killed in the line of duty

LAS CRUCES, Texas (KVIA) -- The Las Cruces community continues to remember the police officer killed Sunday night.

Officer Jonah Hernandez, an El Paso native, was stabbed after responding to a trespassing call on the 300 block of South Valley Dr.

Find a Gofundme page set up in support of Hernandez's family here.

According to City of Las Cruces officials, Officer Hernandez was stabbed at least once. He was taken to MountainView Regional Medical Center where he died.

Officer Hernandez leaves behind a wife and two sons, ages 10 and 2.

Family members explained that Hernandez was the youngest of 18 cousins. They said he was proud of being a police officer but, above all, a father.

"He was always with his boys. He took them everywhere. He had a 10-year-old son and also a 2-year-old son and loved them equally. And he he was a great example of what a young, loving father should be. Being present in their lives whenever possible," said Tony Hernandez, a cousin of the fallen officer.

They also said Officer Hernandez was a 4-wheel enthusiast.

"He was also a man who had a zest for fun and extreme sports and who always had that one liners to make you laugh," said Tony Hernandez.

The family said Officer Hernandez understood the risks involved.

According to authorities, the 29-year-old suspect was shot and killed by a witness. Police have not released the suspect's name until his next of kin have ben notified.