man wearing a collared shirt

The Bessemer Police Department is reporting a capital murder that occurred in the 3300 block of Avenue ‘C’ in Bessemer.

On Sunday August 28, 2022 at approximately 5:51 am officers responded to the 3300 block of Avenue C in Bessemer on a possible stabbing.  Officers arrived to find 33 yr old Cynthia A. Cardenas still sitting behind the wheel of a car she was driving earlier that night.  Bessemer Fire Department responded, but Cardenas was pronounced deceased on scene.  Detectives and evidence technicians processed the scene and spoke to witnesses.  The Jefferson County Coroner’s office responded and took custody of Cardenas remains. 

Detectives learned Cardenas had a 28 yr. old boyfriend named Hector Medina-Grajeda and both were at a party in Sylacauga Saturday night into Sunday morning.  Detectives learned that Cardenas had been shot and not stabbed as previously reported.  Detectives also learned that Cardenas was pregnant approximately 5 months according to the family.  Detectives followed leads that showed Hector fled the state into Lebanon, Tennessee.  Detectives secured a capital murder warrant for Hector in the shooting death of Cardenas.  Detectives learned Hector and his brother 24 yr. old, Monseath Elezar Medinia Grajeda, stayed at the Days Inn by Wyndham in Lebanon but checked out on today’s date before law enforcement could respond.

The Bessemer Police Department is asking all media outlets to share this story locally and in Tennessee specifically the Nashville/Lebanon outlets for as much coverage as possible.

No further information will be released at this time.

If anyone has additional information pertaining to this case, contact the Bessemer Police Department at (205) 425-2411 or the Tip Line at (205) 428-3541.  CrimeStoppers can also be reached for tips by calling 205-254-7777.

Bessemer Police Department Criminal Investigation Division
23 North 15th Street
Bessemer, Alabama 35020
Chief Michael Roper Media Release                                                                                  
Lt. Christian Clemons
August 29, 2022 (205) 481-4365 (Office)
6:00 p.m.               (205) 425-2411 (Main)