Murderer escapes custody in Central California; search underway

Law enforcement is looking for a convicted killer who escaped custody in Central California on Monday.

Cesar Hernandez was being transported around 10:45 a.m. for a court appearance at the Kern County Superior Courthouse in Delano when he escaped, according to a California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation news release.

“Upon arrival, Hernandez evaded staff custody, jumped out of the van, and is currently at large,” the department statement said.

At about 10:45 a.m., officials were transporting incarcerated person Cesar M. Hernandez to a court appearance. Upon arrival in Delano, Hernandez evaded staff custody, jumped out of the van, and is currently at large.

(CDCR)

Agents from the corrections department’s special services and investigative services units were searching for Hernandez with the assistance of the California Highway Patrol and police from McFarland and Delano.

Hernandez was sentenced to 25 years to life with the possibility of parole for first-degree murder, officials said. He was moved from L.A. County on June 27, 2019.

Hernandez, 34, is described as 5 feet 1 and 161 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes and was last wearing an orange top and pants.

Officials have urged anyone who sees Hernandez or knows his location to contact law enforcement, call 911, or contact the incident commander at (661) 721-6300 ext. 5506.