Renton Police detectives suspect missing woman was kidnapped

RENTON, Wash. — In new developments out of Renton Tuesday, investigators revealed in a press conference that they believe the owner of Reyna Hair Salon has been kidnapped.

Police say they uncovered evidence that has them believing there is foul play in the disappearance of 54-year-old Reyna Hernandez.

“We are extremely concerned for Reyna’s well-being at this time,” said Meeghan Black with the Renton Police Department.

Hernandez disappeared Monday, February 26. Police say the last person who spoke with her that day around 10 a.m. told police Hernandez was planning to run errands, and heading to a home in south Renton.  Police say Hernandez used to live at that home.

“Detectives have been following multiple, multiple leads. They’ve served many search warrants and uncovered evidence that leads us to believe she was taken against her will. We do expect foul play in this case,” Black said.

It means Hernandez’s long-time business, Reyna Hair Salon, has been shuttered now for more than a week.

The family that owns La Fuente Mexican Restaurant, which is right next door, says the situation has them worried.

“It was a huge shock to me,” said German Sahagun, one of the owners. He said Hernandez ate there on Saturday, February 24 - less than two days before she disappeared. Sahagun said he noticed the salon owner was not her usual self.

“She’s really loud and outgoing. That day I noticed that she seemed to be kind of timid and quiet, which I thought was kind of odd. But I didn’t think much of it at the time,” he said.

Sahagun said he used to get haircuts at Reyna’s as a teen - a decade ago – and has seen her regularly since as a customer at the restaurant.

“She was very kind, everybody knew her around here - she was very well known,” Sahgun said.

Renton police are not releasing exactly what they found in south Renton that has investigators believing she was kidnapped.

Black said three men live at the south Renton house and have managed to interview two of the residents. Police say they would “very much” like to speak with the third man living there but have not been able to make contact with him. No one is being called a suspect at this time.

Investigators say Hernandez’s vehicle has disappeared too. Now they’re asking for the public’s help.

“Put out that plea that if anyone saw Reyna, heard from Reyna, particularly Monday, February 26, or even Sunday to please get in touch with us,” Black said. “That’s our goal here – to bring her back,” she said.

Renton police say they have almost every detective following up on various leads.

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