Escaped California Inmate Cesar Hernandez, Wanted for Murder of U.S. Officer, Shoots and Kills Mexican Police Officer During Pursuit in Tijuana; Authorities Intensify Search for Fugitive
Tijuana, Mexico — April 11, 2025 — The search for Cesar Hernandez, a convicted murderer who escaped from a California prison, has intensified following a tragic shooting that resulted in the death of a Mexican police officer. Hernandez, who was serving a life sentence for the 2014 murder of a police officer in California, managed to escape custody during a transfer last December and is now believed to be hiding in Mexico.
On April 9, Hernandez was located by Mexico’s elite “Gringo Hunters” unit, a special force tasked with capturing U.S. fugitives who have crossed into Mexico. The operation, which was taking place in the Barcelona neighborhood of Tijuana, ended in violence when Hernandez opened fire on officers. During the confrontation, 33-year-old Abigail Esparza Reyes, a respected commander of the Gringo Hunters unit, was fatally shot.
Esparza Reyes had led more than 400 successful operations to capture fugitive criminals from the United States. She was known for her dedication and bravery in international law enforcement efforts. Her death has shocked the law enforcement community, both in Mexico and the U.S.
Following the shooting, Hernandez reportedly fled the scene, changing his appearance in an attempt to blend in with local workers. Despite a massive search effort involving both Mexican and U.S. authorities, Hernandez remains on the run. Mexican authorities have increased their efforts to locate him, with both local police and federal units involved in the search.
The U.S. Marshals Service has also joined the investigation, offering support to Mexican authorities in their pursuit of Hernandez. U.S. officials have expressed their condolences to the family of Officer Reyes and reiterated their commitment to bringing Hernandez to justice.
Governor Marina del Pilar of Baja California, where Tijuana is located, has vowed that the sacrifice of Officer Reyes will not be forgotten, and that Hernandez will be held accountable for his actions.
Hernandez is considered armed and extremely dangerous. Law enforcement is urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact local authorities immediately. The tragic death of Officer Reyes highlights the constant dangers faced by law enforcement officers working on cross-border fugitive cases.
Hernandez is now wanted for charges of murder, assault on a law enforcement officer, and escape. A reward has been offered for any information leading to his arrest.
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