(New Wilmington, Pa.) Pennsylvania State Police in New Castle are continuing to investigate the police shooting and homicide that occurred in New Wilmington last Thursday, February 18, 2021.

Investigators have determined that 24-year-old Chynna Cardena of Springdale, Arkansas was not killed as the result of a hate or bias crime. When New Wilmington Police arrived on the scene 33-year-old Juan Hernandez of Campbell, Ohio was striking Cardena with a blunt object. Police ordered him to stop and when he continued the assault he was shot and killed by a New Wilmington Police officer. Cardena was transported to a Youngstown hospital where she later died.

Investigators said that Cardena and Hernandez knew each other prior to the attack. The nature of their relationship has not been disclosed as State Police continue to investigate.