A delusional man accused of hacking his grandmother to death claimed to police he heard “AI voices” telling her to steal his money, according to police.
Franklin Flores, 41, allegedly walked into the bedroom of 75-year-old Reyna Flores De Hernandez, gave her a kiss on the forehead and then killed her with a hatchet last month, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
He told investigators it was because he believed that “AI and informants were speaking to Reyna, claiming he could hear them whispering,” according to a police report obtained by Fox 5 Vegas.
Police discovered Hernandez’s body covered in blankets on her bed riddled with sharp-force injuries on Dec. 29 during a welfare check after Flores’ wife reported he had told her his grandmother “was in heaven,” the report said.
Flores was tracked down and arrested on a hiking trail the same day.
In an interview with police, Flores “expressed delusions” about fellow employees at a warehouse where he worked, and claimed they were “engaging in human trafficking,” and plotting to harm his wife and children.
He believed “Reyna was involved in a conspiracy to steal his money and was supporting the employees who opposed him.”
Flores claimed to have been given a “mission” by the whispering voices to save his wife and kids — but Hernandez hid his keys and wallet, delaying his schedule, so he decided to kill her, according to KSNV.
Start your day with all you need to know
Morning Report delivers the latest news, videos, photos and more.
Thanks for signing up!
He said he stayed with his grandmother’s body in the apartment “until the AI voices told him the time was up,” police said in their report.
He revealed he had been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, and PTSD, but does not take any prescribed medications.
Flores is facing an open murder charge in Hernandez’s death, court records show.
He is being held without bail and due to appear in court on Feb. 4.
