Escaped murderer causes alarm in California town as search intensifies

A convicted murderer, Cesar Hernandez, escaped from a transport van at a courthouse in Delano, California, on Monday. He was sentenced to 80 years to life for first-degree murder and had been taken to court for other charges. As of Thursday, he remains at large. The escape has caused significant disruption in Delano, with schools closed and local Christmas events postponed. Residents are anxious, and law enforcement has increased their presence in the area, conducting door-to-door searches and using helicopters. Hernandez, 34, is described as 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighing about 160 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. Authorities warn that he is considered dangerous and advise the public not to approach him.