A manhunt for a convicted murderer in a California community has left local residents feeling uneasy, resulting in school closures and the cancellation of festive events.
Cesar Hernandez, sentenced in 2019 to 80 years to life with the chance of parole for first-degree murder, escaped from custody early Monday while being transported to the Kern County courthouse in Delano, a city in central California with a population of around 50,000. As of Thursday, authorities had not yet located him.
While preparing for a court appearance related to charges of manufacturing a weapon and drug possession in prison, Hernandez managed to slip away from officials and jump out of the vehicle. The escape has been a prominent topic among residents, particularly in local establishments like the barber shop owned by Cesar Guzmán, which is located just a few blocks from the site of the incident.
Guzmán expressed concern over the situation, stating, “Everyday we talk about it. The clients are scared because they haven’t found him. We’re really close to where it happened.” Since the escape, Delano has seen an increased presence of law enforcement as police conduct door-to-door searches and helicopters patrol the skies. This level of police activity is unprecedented for Guzmán, who has lived in the community all his life.
In response to the situation, multiple local schools went into lockdown on Monday and have remained closed through Thursday as the search for Hernandez continues, according to announcements from local school districts on social media.
Additionally, the city has postponed its annual tree-lighting ceremony that was set for Wednesday, and the Delano Chamber of Commerce has delayed its Christmas parade originally planned for Thursday evening. The uncertainty surrounding Hernandez’s whereabouts has overshadowed festive plans that Guzmán and his family typically look forward to each year.
“Honestly, now we’re kind of like, ‘How can he get away from them? What the heck happened?’” Guzmán remarked, highlighting the community’s shock over the escape.
Currently, Hernandez is described as 34 years old, standing 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighing around 160 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. Since being transferred from Los Angeles County in June 2019, he was last seen wearing an orange shirt and pants. Delano police have warned the public, stating that “Hernandez is considered dangerous,” advising anyone who sees him not to approach him.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about Hernandez’s location to reach out to law enforcement or dial 911 for assistance.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the United States, a separate manhunt is ongoing for a suspect in the fatal shooting of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York on Monday, with police following leads related to his potential whereabouts, including searches of two hostels he may have used.
