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Manhunt underway for convicted killer who escaped from prison van in Southern California

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Published  December 3, 2024 8:25am PST
Crime and Public Safety
FOX 11

Convicted murderer escapes custody

Police in Los Angeles County are searching for convicted murderer Cesar Hernandez, who they say has escaped police custody.

The Brief

    • Cesar Hernandez was last seen around 10:45 a.m. at the Kern County Superior Courthouse in Delano.
    • Hernandez had arrived for a scheduled court appearance when he was able to evade authorities, jump out of the prison van, and run away.
    • Hernandez was convicted for first-degree murder out of Los Angeles County in 2019.

KERN COUNTY, Calif. - Authorities are searching for an inmate convicted of murder who escaped from a prison van during transport to a courthouse in Southern California on Monday.

According to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), Cesar Hernandez, 34, was being transported to the Kern County Superior Courthouse in Delano around 10:45 a.m. for a scheduled court appearance. 

Once the van arrived, Hernandez somehow was able to jump out of the van and run away, officials said. 

Cesar Hernandez mugshot, 2024. Hernandez was convicted of firs-degree murder out of Los Angeles County in 2019. / California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

Hernandez was convicted for first-degree murder out of Los Angeles County in 2019. He was sentenced to 25 years to life with the possibility of parole.

He is described as 5'5" tall, weighing 161 lbs, with brown eyes and black hair. He was last seen wearing an orange top and orange pants.

Multiple agencies are assisting in the search for Chavez, including CDCR’s Special Services Unit and Investigative Services Units from North Kern, Kern Valley and Wasco state prisons, as well as the California Highway Patrol, Delano, and McFarland police departments.

Anyone who sees Hernandez should call 911 immediately. 

The Source: This story was reported with information from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.