As the search for escaped inmate Cesar Hernandez continues, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) believes that he is no longer in the Delano area.
"Investigators have determined the security risk around Delano has subsided as it is most likely escapee Cesar Hernandez has fled the area," CDCR officials said in a press release Thursday.
Hernandez escaped from custody on Monday and has been missing since. Several days of school have been canceled in the city as a result. Due to safety concerns, some community events were postponed, including the Delano Christmas Parade.
The CDCR goes on to say, "We are listening to the concerns of the community and school districts regarding this situation and want to assure the Delano community that CDCR is fully committed to locating and apprehending Hernandez."
Anyone with information regarding Hernandez’s whereabouts is asked to call 661-721-6314 or 911.
Hernandez was convicted of first-degree murder in Los Angeles County, and in 2019 was sentenced to 80 years to life in prison.
He was being housed at Kern Valley State Prison in Delano before his escape.
