Arrest made after man’s body found in Surprise yard in June, cousin in custody

SURPRISE, Ariz. — EDITOR’S NOTE: The above video is from a broadcast that aired on June 11, 2025.

An arrest has been made months after a body was found in a Valley yard over the summer. The man’s cousin has been identified as a suspect, according to authorities.

The Surprise Police Department said 27-year-old Nathan Sobarzo is facing charges in connection with the case after the body of 53-year-old Sean Hernandez was found in the front yard of a home near Bell Road and North Dysart roads.

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“Investigators received new DNA results from the state crime lab linking Sobarzo to the crime,” police said in a news release.

Hernandez’s body was found on June 11. An autopsy completed by the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office two days later revealed six stab wounds and eight incised wounds to the torso and arms. A toxicology report for him revealed meth and cannabis in his system.

Police say Sobarzo, a cousin of Hernandez, was living at the home when the killing happened.

“This arrest is the result of diligent, coordinated police work and strong community partnerships,” said Chief of Police Evan Becher. 

According to police, Sobarzo was taken into custody on unrelated robbery charges around the time Hernandez was killed. He was then arrested on charges connected to Hernandez’s death after he was released on those unrelated charges.

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