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Fugitive Convicted Murderer Accused of Killing Mexican Police Commander in Tijuana

Cesar Hernandez, who escaped California custody in December, remains at large as U.S. and Mexican authorities intensify their manhunt.

The Tijuana home where Baja California police Officer Abigail Esparza Reyes was shot while serving an arrest warrant for a U.S. fugitive on April 9, photographed Thursday. (Alexandra Mendoza / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
A police officer in Tijuana, Mexico was killed Wednesday after a shoot-out with a convicted murderer who was wanted by U.S. authorities after escaping from custody last year, according to Baja California officials said.
Colleagues, friends and family say goodbye to Baja California police Cmdr. Abigail Esparza Reyes, pictured at right, on Friday at the Tijuana Control and Command Center, known as C5. (Baja California Government Press Office)
Authorities at the scene of a shootout Wednesday April 9, 2025 in Tijuana.

Overview

  • Cesar Hernandez, a convicted murderer, escaped from California Department of Corrections custody on December 2, 2024, during a prison transport.
  • Hernandez is accused of fatally shooting Mexican police commander Abigail Esparza Reyes during a shootout in Tijuana on April 9, 2025.
  • The fallen officer, a member of the elite 'Gringo Hunters' unit, was attempting to apprehend Hernandez when the incident occurred.
  • Authorities have released a $35,000 reward for information leading to Hernandez’s capture and continue cross-border cooperation to locate him.
  • The case highlights vulnerabilities in prisoner transport protocols and the risks faced by law enforcement pursuing dangerous fugitives.