Tijuana, Mexico – Convicted murderer Cesar Hernandez, who escaped from California corrections officers in December, is now accused of killing a Mexican police commander. Authorities have identified the fugitive as the suspect in the brutal killing that occurred as law enforcement attempted to apprehend him. Hernandez’s escape has sparked a massive manhunt, with officials offering a substantial reward for information leading to his capture.
Hernandez, 34, had been serving a life sentence for murder in California when he managed to evade custody on December 2nd, 2025. The U.S. Embassy in Mexico and the U.S. Marshals Service issued a flyer warning the public about Hernandez, describing him as “dangerous,” armed, and prone to violence. The fugitive allegedly fatally shot Mexican Police Commander Abigail Esparza Reyes during the attempted arrest. While U.S. Marshals were in the vicinity, they were not involved in the tragic incident but did provide assistance to Reyes before her death.
Law enforcement agencies are committed to bringing Hernandez to justice, emphasizing that those who harm officers will be held accountable. The search for Hernandez has intensified, with officials offering a $35,000 reward for any information that could lead to his arrest. Prior to his escape, Hernandez was serving a lengthy sentence for first-degree murder in Los Angeles County. Video footage of his escape showed him running across an open field without restraints, indicating meticulous planning on his part.
Authorities suspect that Hernandez used a self-made key to free himself from chains, attacked a guard, and fled through a gate at a courthouse transfer lot. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has acknowledged an active investigation involving Hernandez in Tijuana but has declined to provide further details. Hernandez’s brazen escape and subsequent alleged crime have raised concerns about gaps in the correctional system and underscored the challenges law enforcement faces when dealing with violent offenders on the run.