California Fugitive Convicted Of Murder Kills Baja Commander, Escapes After 4-Hour Siege

Local law enforcement in the Mexican state of Baja California informed that a commander of the State Citizen Security Force (FESC) in Tijuana was killed by a man wanted by U.S. authorities.

The incident took place around 1 p.m. April 9 in a gated community located less than 15 miles from the San Ysidro Port of Entry. Agent Abigail Esparza Reyes, a commander of the Baja California State Forces, responded to the scene after authorities received reports that a suspect wanted by the United States had barricaded himself inside a residence to avoid arrest.

Hernández opened fire as law enforcement approached the home. Esparza Reyes was struck by gunfire and transported to a nearby hospital in Tijuana, where she later died from her injuries.

The suspect, identified as César Hernández, is wanted by California authorities since December 2024, when he escaped from California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) custody.

CDCR officials said they were transporting Hernández to a court appearance when he evaded staff custody, jumped out of the vehicle and escaped. He was serving a 25-year-to-life sentence for first-degree murder, a second-strike offense, after being received from Los Angeles County on June 27, 2019.

According to video evidence that circulated on social media, the standoff lasted about four hours and despite many efforts from law enforcement, Hernández managed to escape from the scene. His whereabouts remain unknown.

After Esparza Reyes' death was confirmed, Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar issued a statement expressing her condolences as well as her recognition to those who responded to the scene.

"I deeply regret the passing of the State Citizen Security Force Agent Abigail Esparza Reyes while participating in an arrest warrant enforcement operation currently underway," del Pilar said.

"My recognition goes to the elements that are bravely and exemplary participating in this operation," she said. "To the family and loved ones of Agent Abigail, we recognize her bravery and dedication to the service of her state. Our wishes for prompt resignation are with you, Abigail's life will be honored and her death will not go unpunished," she added.