Manhunt Underway for Escaped Convicted Murderer

Cesar M. Hernandez, a 34-year-old convicted murderer, escaped from a prison transport van on Monday morning while being taken to a court appearance at the Kern County Superior Courthouse in Delano. Hernandez, who is serving a 25 years to life sentence for first-degree murder, evaded custody around 10:45 a.m. after jumping out of the van. He is described as 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighing approximately 161 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, last seen wearing an orange prison outfit. A manhunt involving the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Highway Patrol, and local police departments is underway to locate him. Authorities emphasize that 99% of escaped inmates are typically recaptured. Anyone with information on Hernandez's whereabouts is urged to contact law enforcement immediately.