A guilty murderer who escaped from California correctional services last year would have killed the head of an elite Mexican police unit accused of discovery and arrest the fugitive Americans, officials said.
The authorities said that the unity – known as “Gringo Hunters”, who devotes himself to the arrest of American suspects who are fugitive in Mexico – were trying to stop a suspect in the border city in northern Tijuana when the man opened fire, hitting and killing Abigail Sparza Reyes, 33.
Esparza Reyes was the head of the state of the northern border of California of Baja.
While the authorities did not appoint the suspect, local media identified him as Cesar Hernandez, who said that officials in California escaped custody in December during a transfer to court.
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Hernandez, 34, was found guilty of first degree murder and sentenced to life in life, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. He was on the way to the Higher Justice Palace of Kern for an appearance before a judge on December 2, when he jumped from the van and escaped the staff.
Months later, on April 9, the so-called “Gringo hunters” police unit caught him in Tijuana, Mexico, after receiving information that he was in a house over there, The Affilié de CBS Kbak reported.
A shooting broke out and Esparza Reyes was fatally shot dead while Hernandez managed to escape from the scene.
Mexican media, including El Universalreported that video surveillance has shown that Hernandez had managed to escape while running almost naked in the streets before hiding under a tarpaulin that covered a vehicle. He emerged dressed in a fluorescent green uniform – similar to those used by the local traffic police – before moving away. Hernandez remains in general and a manhunt is underway.
Marina Del Pilar, the governor of Baja California, published a message on social networks Offering its condolences to the death of Esparza Reyes.
“For the family and relatives of the Abigail officer, we recognize your bravery and dedication to the service of your state,” she said. “Abigail’s life will be honored and his death will not remain unpunished.”
Esparza Reyes managed the regional team of the unit for eight years, carrying out more than 400 operations aimed at arresting the American fugitives who had fled to Mexico, Reuters reportedquoting the Mexican authorities.
According to a profile of the group by the Washington PostEsparza Reyes grew up in Tijuana and secretly wanted to be a police officer.
The American marshals, who were in the field of the bite but “not involved in the shooting,” said in a statement that his agents helped assist in Esparza Reyes before dying of his injuries.
“We cry his loss with his family, friends and colleagues,” said the statement, according to Kbak. “We will continue to help our international partners in associated surveys. Those who commit violence against police officers will be held responsible. ”