Fugitive LA County Killer Arrested in Tijuana
A fugitive California inmate convicted in a Los Angeles County murder and sought in connection with a shootout in Tijuana that killed a law enforcement officer is in custody, according to authorities in Mexico.
Background of the Case
The Attorney’s General Office of the State of Baja California said Cesar Hernandez was taken into custody Thursday night. In a statement, the U.S. Marshals Service said Hernandez was arrested in east Tijuana by members of Mexico’s State Investigation Agency.
Details of Hernandez’s Escape
Hernandez, 34, escaped from custody Dec. 2, 2024, before a court appearance in the Kern County community of Delano. He was serving a life sentence of 80 years to life for first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of a man outside a South Los Angeles bar.
Connection to Tijuana Shootout
He was sought by authorities in Mexico for the April 9 shooting death of police commander Abigail Esparza during an attempt by Mexican law enforcement to arrest him in Tijuana. Members of the U.S. Marshals Service were in the area, but not involved in the shootout, the agency said.
Scene of the Shootout
Video showed law enforcement officers and vehicles stopped near an intersection at the scene of the shootout in the Colonia Barcelona neighborhood of Tijuana, about 30 miles south of San Diego.
Legal Proceedings
It was not immediately clear whether Hernandez will be returned to custody in California. "Cesar ‘N’ is currently facing criminal proceedings, and his legal situation will be determined as set out by law," according to the prosecutor’s office.
Hernandez’s Conviction
Hernandez, 34, was convicted of shooting a man after leaving a bar in South Los Angeles, according to appellate court filings obtained by The Associated Press. The victim was at the bar and, as he drove away, Hernandez was seen following him in his car before getting out to shoot him.
Motive for the Shooting
Details about a motive for the shooting were not included in the court filing, the AP reported.
Sentence and Transfer
Hernandez was transferred from Los Angeles County custody to Kern County on June 27, 2019. He was sentenced to 80 years to life with the possibility of parole for first-degree murder, a second-strike offense, according to the state Department of Corrections.
Video of Hernandez’s Escape
Video showed Hernandez’s escape last year in the community about 140 miles north of Los Angeles. It showed Hernandez, dressed in orange prison pants and shirt, running in an empty field with an officer well behind.
Method of Escape
Authorities said at the time Hernandez somehow obtained a handcuff key, possibly one he made, to remove his handcuffs before punching a guard and running through an open gate in the transfer parking lot of the Kern County Superior Courthouse.
Conclusion
The arrest of Cesar Hernandez brings a measure of closure to the cases in both the United States and Mexico. However, the legal proceedings are ongoing, and it remains to be seen how his extradition and trial will unfold.
FAQs
- Q: Who is Cesar Hernandez?
A: Cesar Hernandez is a 34-year-old fugitive California inmate convicted of first-degree murder in Los Angeles County. - Q: Why was Hernandez sought in Mexico?
A: Hernandez was sought in connection with the shooting death of a police commander during an attempt to arrest him in Tijuana. - Q: How did Hernandez escape from custody?
A: Hernandez obtained a handcuff key, removed his handcuffs, punched a guard, and ran through an open gate at the Kern County Superior Courthouse. - Q: What are the next steps in Hernandez’s case?
A: Hernandez is facing criminal proceedings in Mexico, and his legal situation will be determined by law, including potential extradition to California.
