Manhunt underway for convicted killer who jumped from corrections van in stunning escape while headed to court

A massive manhunt is underway for a vicious convicted killer who jumped out of a correction van and took off while on his way to a California court hearing on Monday, according to authorities.

Cesar Hernandez, 34, who was sentenced to 25 years to life on a 2019 Los Angeles murder conviction, was being transported to Kern County Superior Courthouse court on new prison contraband charges around 10:45 a.m. Monday when he broke free and took off, officials said.

The escape sparked a massive, multi-agency deployment, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said in a press release this week.

“Agents from CDCR’s Special Services Unit and Investigative Services Units from North Kern, Kern Valley and Wasco state prisons have responded,” the agency said. “Also assisting are the California Highway Patrol, Delano and McFarland police departments. CDCR has established an incident command post and is coordinating search efforts.”

Hernandez remained on the loose on Wednesday.

According to correction officials, Hernandez was sentenced on the murder charge on June 27, 2019.

He was scheduled to appear in court Monday after pleading guilty to new charges of manufacturing a weapon and possession of alcohol and drugs while behind bars, WGET-TV News reported.

The plea marked a potential “third strike” under California law and could have meant a life sentence without chance of parole for Hernandez, the outlet said.

Correction officials described Hernandez as 5-foot-5 and weighing about 160 pounds, and was last seen wearing an orange inmate jumpsuit.