Missing child went by fake name

Julian Hernandez, a now 18-year-old who went missing in August 2002, was going by a fake name for the past 13 years, police say.

Police report that Julian, who was 5 years old at the time of his disappearance, did not know his real name or birthday. Hernandez was found in Cleveland, Ohio earlier this week, and his mother was notified he was safe and unharmed on Monday, Nov. 2.

“From what I understand, he was a well-behaved child, was a good student and did not give any problems,” said Lt. Johnny Evans with Vestavia Hills Police Department’s special investigations division.

Evans said when he talked to Julian’s mother, she was at first apprehensive.

“She has gone through things in the past that have caused her to have not necessarily disbelief, but apprehension,” Evans said. “There’s been, over the years, there have been hundreds of sightings.”

After the sighting was confirmed as Julian, however, she was “extremely excited.” Evans said Julian and his mother have been in contact, but he does not know the extent.

Julian Hernandez’ mother has decided to not release any personal information at this time. She has a representative who issued the following statement on her behalf.

 "Our family was overjoyed this week to locate Julian and learn that he is safe,” the statement said. “We want to thank everyone for their prayers and support during Julian's disappearance. Although we appreciate the interest our story has generated, we will have to decline any requests for interviews or additional information at this time.”

Julian’s father, Bobby Hernandez, was arrested and subsequently charged by Cuyahoga County Court in connection with Julian’s abduction. He faces aggravated identity theft, a Class C felony, in Ohio and will likely face charges of custody interference in Alabama.

On Nov. 5, a warrant in Jefferson County was issued for Bobby Hernandez. The charge is for the felony offense of interference with custody. 

“As soon as his charges up there are fulfilled, settled, then he will be extradited back here,” Evans said.

According to Evans, Julian’s mother and father lived together at the time of Julian’s disappearance. His mother asked Bobby Hernandez to watch Julian for a short time, Evans said, and when she returned home, they were gone. 

“When the mother returned home, there was a note saying he had taken the son and would be back in a little while,” Evans said, “and she looked around and saw all of his toys and all of his clothes were gone and realized what was going on.”

Because he is 18, it is unknown if Julian will come back to Alabama. He is allowed to make the decision for himself.

“Now you run the risk because he’s 18, we can’t go and bring him back,” Evans said. “Does he want to come? I think that would be my fear.”