• Cesar Hernandez, a convicted California murderer, was captured in Tijuana after a weeklong manhunt.
• Hernandez allegedly shot and killed police commander Abigail Esparza Reyes during an attempted arrest.
• The operation to apprehend Hernandez involved extensive intelligence and tactical analysis.

Cesar Hernandez, an inmate who escaped from custody in California, was captured in Tijuana after being wanted for the shooting of Abigail Esparza Reyes, the leader of a specialized Mexican police unit known as the “Gringo Hunters.” This elite unit is dedicated to apprehending fugitives who have crossed the border from the U.S. to Mexico, according to Latimes.

Hernandez allegedly killed Reyes during an attempt to arrest him on April 9, 2025, while the unit was executing their mission in Tijuana. His capture on April 17 came after a weeklong manhunt, highlighting the coordinated effort of law enforcement from both countries. “These actions reflect the outstanding intelligence and investigative work carried out by personnel from the State Attorney General’s Office,” stated the Baja California prosecutor's office, as reported by CBS News.

Prior to his arrest, Hernandez was serving an 80-year to life sentence for first-degree murder in a case from Los Angeles County. He escaped custody on December 2, 2022, while being transported for a court appearance; he successfully fled his guards and made it to Mexico. Hernandez's movements were monitored via surveillance footage, which captured him disguising himself in yellow work clothing to evade capture after the shooting, according to ABC News.

Abigail Esparza Reyes was known for her significant contributions to the "Gringo Hunters," having led over 400 operations in her eight years in that role. Her death during the shootout has led to calls for justice from officials in both Mexico and the U.S., with Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar remarking that “her death will not go unpunished,” as cited in the report from Latimes.

Authorities in Mexico have indicated that Hernandez will face prosecution, though they have not specified whether this will occur in Mexico or California, signaling that his legal situation remains under review.