CA Murderer Escapes From Prison; Manhunt Underway

DELANO, CA — A 34-year-old man serving a life sentence for murder escaped from custody in Central California on Monday morning during transport to a courthouse. Authorities were still searching for him on Tuesday afternoon.

Cesar Hernandez is described as 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 161 pounds. He has brown eyes, and black hair and was last seen wearing an orange top and orange pants, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said in a statement.

At 10:45 a.m., authorities were transporting Hernandez to a court appearance. But when his transport van arrived in Delano, he was able to evade staff and jump out of the van, the agency said.

Several agents from state prisons along with the California Highway Patrol and Delano and McFarland police departments are searching for Hernandez.

Hernandez was transported from the Los Angeles County Jail on June 27, 2019. He was serving 25 years to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Authorities urge anyone who spots Hernandez or has knowledge of his whereabouts to call call 911, or contact Lt. Anthony Sotello, the Incident Commander at 661-721-6300 extension 5506.

CDCR says 99 percent of all offenders who have left an adult institution, camp, or community-based program without permission since 1977 have been caught.