Manhunt: Murderer At Large After Escaping From Prison Van

LOS ANGELES, CA – A convicted murderer from Los Angeles County escaped from custody Monday, triggering an ongoing manhunt.

Cesar M. Hernandez, 34, jumped out of a custody van and evaded authorities on the way to a court appearance in Delano and is currently at large, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Both the California Highway Patrol and prison officials are searching for him. Anyone who sees him is urged to call 9-1-1.

Hernandez, is a second-striker serving a 25-year-to-life sentence for first-degree murder. He was sentenced in 2019 in Los Angeles County.

Hernandez had just arrived at the Kern County Superior Courthouse in Delano at about 10:45 a.m. Monday when he made his escape, according to authorities.

Hernandez, 34, is 5-foot-5 and weighs approximately 161 pounds, according to the corrections department. 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 Special Services Unit and Investigative Services Units from North Kern, Kern Valley and Wasco state prisons are conducting the search along with the California Highway Patrol, Delano and McFarland police departments.

Anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts is urged to contact contact Lt. Anthony Sotello, the Incident Commander at (661) 721-6300 extension 5506.

According to the department of corrections, 99 percent of all offenders who have left an adult institution, camp, or community-based program without permission have been apprehended since 1977.