The search for a convicted murderer who escaped custody during a trip to a Kern County courthouse remains ongoing, and the public is being warned he could be dangerous.
Cesar Hernandez, 34, escaped Monday morning after he jumped out of a prison transport van at the Kern County Superior Courthouse in Delano.
Hernandez was convicted of first-degree murder in Los Angeles County in 2019 and was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison with the possibility of parole.
He was being transported to Delano to face charges for manufacturing weapons while incarcerated. If convicted, it would be considered his “third strike” under California law, meaning he could receive a mandatory life sentence.
More than 24 hours after his escape, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said its agents, alongside local law enforcement, continued to actively search for Hernandez and “gather intelligence as they investigate this case.”
Hernandez is described as 5 feet 5 inches, weighing about 160 pounds. He has brown eyes and black hair and was last seen wearing an orange prison jumpsuit.
If seen, CDCR officials urged the public not to confront Hernandez, who they say should be considered dangerous.
Instead, they were urged to immediately call 911 or contact Kern Valley State Prison officials at 661-721-6314.
If captured, which 99% of all CDCR runaways since 1979 have been, he will likely face additional charges for felony escape.
