OSCE media freedom representative mourns death of murdered journalist in Texas, USA

VIENNA, 17 June 2016 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today said she was deeply saddened upon learning of the murder of Jacinto Torres Hernandez, a freelance reporter for La Estrella, a Spanish-language publication in Fort Worth, Texas, USA.

On 13 June, the body of Hernandez was found shot to death in the backyard of a house in suburban Fort Worth.  Authorities are trying to determine the circumstances of his death. His daughter suggested it could be related to sensitive stories he was working on.

“I hope his assailant will be apprehended and brought to justice,” Mijatović said, noting that police have started an investigation into the case.  

Hernandez, a native of Mexico who wrote under the name Jay Torres, reported on Hispanic issues for La Estrella for two decades. The publication is owned by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.