Escaped California inmate who killed leader of elite Mexican police unit while on the run has been arrested

An escaped California inmate, Cesar Hernandez, who was wanted for killing the leader of an elite Mexican police unit, has been apprehended in Tijuana, Mexico. Hernandez, 34, was arrested by Mexico’s State Investigation Agency on Thursday.

The incident involved the shooting death of 33-year-old Abigail Esparza Reyes, the leader of the Mexican police unit known as the “Gringo Hunters.” This specialized unit focuses on capturing U.S. suspects who are fugitives in Mexico. Esparza Reyes tragically lost her life during a shootout on April 9 in Tijuana while attempting to apprehend Hernandez.

The Baja California prosecutor’s office praised the intelligence and investigative work of the State Attorney General’s Office, which led to the successful location and arrest of Hernandez. The statement released by the prosecutor’s office emphasized their commitment to pursuing justice and ensuring that individuals who commit crimes are held accountable under the law.

Following his arrest, Hernandez is now facing criminal proceedings in Mexico. His legal status will be determined according to the country’s legal system.

Prior to his escape, Hernandez was serving a sentence of 80 years to life with the possibility of parole in California for first-degree murder. He managed to flee custody on December 2 while being transported to the Kern County Superior Courthouse in Delano for a court appearance. Hernandez had been incarcerated at Kern Valley State Prison in Delano before his escape, having been transferred from Los Angeles County in 2019.

This development underscores the importance of international cooperation in law enforcement efforts to apprehend fugitives and bring them to justice. The successful arrest of Hernandez in Mexico serves as a reminder of the commitment of authorities to uphold the rule of law and ensure that individuals facing criminal charges are held accountable for their actions.