Emily Glass was arrested after the body of her step-son, Lucas Hernandez, was discovered in rural Kansas. The 5-year-old boy went missing in February, and Glass, along with Lucas’ father, Jonathan Hernandez, claimed to not know where the boy had “disappeared,” or having had anything to do with his disappearance.
However, on May 24, police say Glass led a private investigator to the little boy’s body.
At the time of publishing, Glass had not been charged in connection with Lucas’ disappearance, and she was released from jail May 30 without prejudice.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Authorities Say She Led a Private Investigator to the Boy’s Body
Authorities say they found a decomposed body of a small child under a bridge in a rural area of central Kansas May 24.
On May 25, the Sedgwick County coroner’s office identified the remains as 5-year-old Lucas, who went missing in February. His identity was confirmed through an autopsy and dental records, police say.
According to Police Chief Gordon Ramsay, Glass led private investigator David Marshburn to the body, which was hidden under a bridge approximately 20 miles north of Wichita, CBS reports. Marshburn then contacted authorities.
According to the Associated Press, Marshburn traveled with Glass and drove around the general area looking for the remains for several hours.
Marshburn, who owns Marshburn’s Investigation Agency, told The Associated Press that he was driving back to North Carolina, and said he spent less than 11 hours with Glass before finding the body.
2. Lucas Went Missing in February & Glass Claimed to Have Fallen Asleep at the Time, & She Denied Any Involvement in His Disappearance
On February 17, Glass said she took a shower and subsequently fell asleep before waking up to find Lucas missing. She then reported the boy missing, while his father was reportedly gone from the home at the time of the disappearance.
Glass claimed the last time she saw Lucas, he had been playing in his bedroom.
3. While in Her Care, the Boy Was Seen With Bruises, Including One the Shape of an Iron
According to the Wichita Eagle, court documents stated that witnesses had seen Lucas with bruises, including one that looked to be the shape of a clothing iron. Other injuries were also cited multiple times in the year before his disappearance.
Additionally, the documents revealed that a school nurse noted Lucas had come to school with multiple injuries to his face, making it look like he had engaged in a fight.
4. She Was Reportedly Diagnosed With Bipolar Disorder, & Has Had Several Run-Ins With the Law
The Wichita Eagle reported that documents showed Glass had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, citing anger problems. The documents also said the stepmother had used methamphetamine and heroin.
This is not Glass’ first run-in with the law, and has a criminal history that reportedly began in 2003. She was arrested on charges including stealing a vehicle,trespassing, larceny and domestic violence.
5. She Was Released ‘Without Prejudice”
Candles and balloons sit outside the SE Wichita house where #LucasHernandez was reported missing in February.
This is the same address where booking sheets show the child’s stepmom, Emily Glass, listed as her residence.
Glass was released from Sedgwick County Jail May 30 without prejudice, as the investigation continues, much to the public’s dismay.
“Why didn’t the DA charge her for anything today she lied to police slowing down an investigation and knew where a dead body was there are no laws for that?,” Veronica Amaya responded to the above video.
“Let another murderer walk! Way to go justice system way to go ? we need dexter! Rip poor baby i hope one day the system will help you,” wrote Crystal Thornton.
“I hope they are just doing this until all I’s are dotted and T’s are crossed to make sure who ever did this goes to prison for the rest of their lives??,” Pamela Cook Ousler stated.
Sedgwick County, Kansas, District Attorney Marc Bennett said the investigation is ongoing as authorities await Lucas’ toxicology results.