Search Ongoing for Escaped California Murderer

Cesar M. Hernandez, a convicted murderer, escaped from custody on December 2, 2024, while being transported for a court hearing in Delano, California. The 34-year-old jumped out of a moving prison van, prompting a heightened police presence and lockdowns at local schools, which remain closed as the search continues. Hernandez is serving a 25-year sentence for first-degree murder and is described as 5'5" tall, weighing 161 pounds, last seen in an orange prison jumpsuit. Local holiday events, including a tree-lighting ceremony and Christmas parade, have been postponed due to safety concerns. Authorities are actively pursuing leads, receiving numerous tips and assistance from K9 units, while urging the community to report any sightings without approaching him. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, along with local police, emphasize the importance of public safety and provide updates as the search unfolds.