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‘He doesn’t need to be there’: Leon Valley man urging for release of son with autism after arson arrest

Eric Fox, 25, is facing two charges of arson. He’s also accused of setting a neighbor’s car on fire

LEON VALLEY, Texas – A Leon Valley man is trying to pick up the pieces after losing his home in a devastating fire last weekend.

That fire was set by his son, Eric Fox Hernandez.

Currently, Eric Fox, 25, is behind bars and facing two charges of arson for the incident.

His father, Mark Hernandez, said it all began last Saturday. He said he was coming back from the store when he noticed his home was up in flames.

Although Mark said he is devastated by the loss of his home, he’s more concerned about Eric being behind bars. His son has autism and suffers from seizures.

“My son didn’t talk until he was four and he didn’t talk until he saw ‘Toy Story,’ for whatever reason. It just woke him up and he started talking and interacting with us and it was great,” Mark said.

It was that very same film that Eric developed his fascination for matches. Mark said this wasn’t his first attempt at burning the home down.

“I’m doing everything I can. It’s just been me and him for the last nine years and I’ve done everything I can to keep him safe,” Mark said.

Mark is urging officials to release Eric from jail and says he doesn’t belong there.

“He doesn’t need to be there. He has absolutely no idea why he’s there,” Mark said.

Eric is also accused of setting a neighbor’s vehicle on fire. According to an arrest affidavit, police said they found Eric holding a box of matches on the day of the fire.

Eric remains in jail on a $100,000 bond.

More on KSAT:

Man facing charges in arson fires that destroyed his home, neighbor’s SUV


About the Authors
Jonathan Cotto headshot

Jonathan Cotto is a reporter for KSAT’s Good Morning San Antonio. He’s a bilingual award-winning news reporter and he joined KSAT in 2021. Before coming to San Antonio, Cotto was reporting along the U.S.-Mexico border in South Texas. He’s a veteran of the United States Navy.

Lee Carpio headshot

Before starting KSAT in 2017, Lee was a photojournalist at KENS 5, where he won a Lone Star Emmy in 2014 for Best Weather Segment. In 2009 and 2010 Lee garnered first-place awards with the Texas Association of Broadcasters for Best Investigative Series in College Station, as well as winning first place for Staff Photojournalism in 2011 at KBTX.

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