A man once locked up for life in California has now become the center of a deadly international manhunt — accused of killing a top Mexican police commander while on the run.

Cesar Hernandez, 34, escaped from U.S. custody in December 2024. Now, Mexican authorities say he’s responsible for the death of Commander Abigail Esparza Reyes, who led Baja California’s elite task force known as the “Gringo Hunters” — a unit dedicated to tracking down American fugitives hiding in Mexico.

The tragic shootout occurred this week in Tijuana, near the U.S.-Mexico border, as Reyes and her team attempted to arrest Hernandez. According to Reuters, the operation quickly escalated into gunfire, and Commander Reyes was fatally shot.

"I deeply regret the death of State Citizen Security Force Agent Abigail Esparza Reyes," wrote Baja California’s Security Secretary on X (formerly Twitter). "Her bravery and dedication will not be forgotten."

The “Gringo Hunters” unit was formed in 2002 as part of a cross-border effort to help the U.S. capture fugitives fleeing justice. Commander Reyes had led the regional team for eight years and participated in over 400 high-risk operations.

Who is Cesar Hernandez?

Hernandez was serving an 80-years-to-life sentence for first-degree murder — classified as a second-strike offense — when he escaped custody on December 2, 2024. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) confirmed he slipped away after jumping out of a transport van outside the Kern County Superior Courthouse in Delano.

At the time, he was housed at Kern Valley State Prison, awaiting a court appearance.

U.S. Marshals Respond

Although U.S. Marshals were reportedly in the vicinity, they were not directly involved in the shooting. In a statement to FOX Los Angeles, the agency said:

“We will continue to assist our international partners with the associated investigations. Those who commit violence against law enforcement officers will be held accountable.”