The search continues for a convicted murderer who escaped custody while being transported to a court appearance this week, and authorities now believe he has fled the area.
Cesar Hernandez, 34, escaped Monday morning after he jumped out of a prison transport van at the Kern County Superior Courthouse in Delano.
The California Department of Corrections, with assistance from the California Highway Patrol and other local authorities, have focused the search in the Delano area since Hernandez made his escape.
But on Thursday, CDCR officials said residents of the small town near Bakersfield are no longer facing a security risk, believing Hernandez has already fled the area.
Hernandez was convicted of first-degree murder in Los Angeles County in 2019 and was sentenced to 80 years to life in prison with the possibility of parole—CDCR previously stated that he was serving a 25-year sentence, but later clarified that his sentence was actually longer due to special circumstances and the fact that it was a “second strike” felony under California law.
He was serving his sentence at Kern Valley State Prison in Delano prior to his escape.
Investigators have not said whether they believe Hernandez is likely returning to Southern California or attempting to flee the country entirely, but Delano is no longer considered the epicenter for the search.
“[We] want to assure the Delano community that CDCR is fully committed to locating and apprehending Hernandez,” officials said.
Since his escape, California prison officials have been relatively quiet about the search, saying in a news release Thursday that authorities must “strike a careful balance between providing important safety information to the public with maintaining confidentiality of sensitive investigative details. “
CDCR officials added that no further information about the investigation will be released at this time, but said critical updates would be released on social media and through the media.
Hernandez is described as 5 feet 5 inches, weighing about 160 pounds. He has brown eyes and black hair and was last seen wearing an orange prison jumpsuit.
If seen, CDCR officials urged the public not to confront Hernandez, who they say should be considered dangerous.
Instead, they were urged to immediately call 911 or contact Kern Valley State Prison officials at 661-721-6314.
If captured, which 99% of all CDCR runaways since 1979 have been, he will likely face additional charges for felony escape.
