J.J. had big dreams of going to college after graduating high school. Just like any eager student, he immediately started filling out college applications, eager to pursue his passions at a four-year university. However, as he was applying, he stumbled across some chilling information about his family that completely upended his life.
Missing Social Security Number
Everything started with J.J Mangina’s college applications. When he punched in his social security number into an online portal, the number bizarrely didn’t register. This didn’t make any sense, although the answer would soon become shockingly clear.
A Revelation Hits
J.J. contacted the school and explained his dilemma, which the school counselor agreed was incredibly peculiar. With the counselor helping to dig around a bit, he made a massive revelation.
B.G. Daily News
Discovering His Identity
The 18-year-old high school graduate eventually found his true social on the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children database. He had some serious questions.
Notifying The Authorities
The FBI was immediately notified about the events. The department handled missing persons cases of all kinds, and they were licking their lips when they received the call about J.J. Now, it was time to act.
ABC
The Big Reveal
The FBI did some research, and agents soon uncovered that J.J. Mangina was, in fact, living a lie. Their research indicated that he was a missing person. For answers, he needed to look to a small home in Alabama.
Precious Julian Hernandez
There, he would see the precious face of Julian Hernandez, who lived with his mother in Birmingham for most of his childhood. His parents were separated, but he still spent time with his father… which landed him in trouble.
The Independent
Making A Grave Decision
Bobby Hernandez thought the world of his little Julian. Despite the troubles he had with his son’s mother, Bobby frequently saw Julian and often accompanied him to preschool. However, one August day in 2002, Bobby made a grave decision.
A Change Of Plans
Like any other day, Bobby arrived at school ready to scoop up Julian. However, instead of doing what Julian’s mother expected her ex to do, Bobby packed Julian’s blanket and plush whale doll, and the two disappeared.
The Morning Journal
Alerting The Community
It took several hours for Julian’s mother to suspect any foul play occurred, but when her son never returned home, she phoned the police. Immediately posters were put up alerting the community to the incident.
No Previous Signs Of Trouble
Bobby never in his life showed any signs he was capable of kidnapping his own son. Sure, he loved him more than life itself, but he wasn’t a felon. Or, at least that’s what Julian’s mom thought.
Prisoner’s Dillemma
Toppling The House Of Cards
Julian, on the other hand, was only five years old at the time and had no clue what his father did. For years, he lived his life under an assumed name. But, the house of cards eventually toppled.
NBC News
Living As J.J. Mangina
As it turned out, J.J. Mangina was little Julian Hernandez thanks to a fake driver’s license Bobby acquired. When his father picked him up 13 years earlier in Alabama, the two fled to Cleveland and started over. In 2015, the situation was complicated.
“I’ve Never Experienced Before”
Lt. Johnny Evans, a Birmingham police officer involved, said, “I’ve been doing this 25 years and it’s something I’ve never experienced before. We spent tireless hours doing everything we could to try to find him.” Bobby had to be arrested.
WBRC FOX6 News
Bobby’s Arrest
Bobby was immediately arrested and charged with kidnapping, custody interference, tampering with records and forgery. Even though Julian appeared to be thriving at the time of his discovery, harsh words were issued regarding Bobby’s persona.
Toledo Blade
“Angry, Controlling, and Vengeful”
According to Julian’s grandmother, his father was “angry, controlling, and vengeful. Bobby Hernandez kidnapped him because he wanted to get even with Julian’s mother for leaving him — this is not the sign of a good father.” Julian’s mother shared her own pain.
USA Today
“I Wanted To Die”
In an emotional statement issued by Julian’s mother, she wrote, “During my darkest moments I considered suicide. I wanted to die.” It also stated she refused to give up the search for as long as she was alive. Julian was put in an impossible situation.
NY Daily News
A Son’s Sentiments
He surprised the courtroom when he said about his father, “Even if other people can’t, I forgive him for what he’s done. I love him and I want him to be a part of my life.” After all, he just knew him as dad.
Chris Landsberger / The Oklahoman
Reaching A Plea Deal
Even tough Julian pushed for his father to remain a free man, Bobby broke multiple laws and was sent to prison for four years after reaching a plea deal. There’s no telling if the he and his son will ever reconnect.
Never Giving Up Hope
It’s normal for kids to put their parents on a pedestal, but, like in JJ’s case, as an adult you can learn something about their past that changes everything you thought you knew