Report: Murder convict who escaped California prison kills police commander in Mexico

A convicted murderer who escaped from custody in California last year has been on the run. Now, he is suspected of killing a Mexican police commander from an elite unit known as “the Gringo Hunters” after a recent shootout with authorities.

In an attempt to apprehend Cesar Hernandez, 34, who is still wanted in the U.S., the unit engaged in a confrontation in the border city of Tijuana. During the exchange of gunfire, Mexican police commander Abigail Esparza Reyes, who led the unit responsible for apprehending American suspects in Mexico, was fatally shot, as reported by Reuters.

Caesar Hernandez (California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation)

Marina del Pilar, the governor of Baja California, confirmed Reyes’ death in a statement on Wednesday.

“I express my deepest condolences for the loss of State Citizen Security Force Agent Abigail Esparza Reyes, who lost her life during the execution of an ongoing arrest warrant operation,” she stated on X.

“To the family and loved ones of Officer Abigail, we recognize your bravery and dedication in the service of your state,” Pilar added. “Our wishes for a speedy resignation are with you; Abigail’s life will be honored, and her death will not go unpunished.”

Mexico has long been seen by criminal suspects as a place to evade U.S. law enforcement. In 2002, the unit nicknamed “Gringo Hunters” was created to cooperate with U.S. authorities and apprehend fugitives who cross the border, the report said.

Esparza Reyes had led the regional team of the unit for eight years, carrying out more than 400 operations aimed at arresting U.S. fugitives who had fled to Mexico.

A woman walks on the beach next to the border wall topped with razor wire in Tijuana, Mexico. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

The U.S. Marshals Service said its personnel were in the area but not involved in the shooting incident, FOX Los Angeles reported. 

“We will continue to assist our international partners with the associated investigations. Those who commit violence against law enforcement officers will be held accountable. To protect the integrity of the investigations, USMS will not offer further commentary,” they said in a statement. 

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Marshals Service.

Hernandez, 34, escaped from custody on Dec. 2, 2024, shortly after arriving at the Kern County Superior Courthouse in Delano, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. 

Vehicles wait at the San Ysidro Port of Entry along the U.S.-Mexico border in Tijuana, Mexico, in 2022. (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images)

He was being taken to a court appearance when he jumped out of the van and fled, authorities said. 

Hernandez was previously sentenced to 80 years to life with the possibility of parole for first-degree murder, a second-strike offense, CDCR said in a statement.

At the time of his escape, Hernandez was housed at Kern Valley State Prison.