The U.S. government is offering a reward of up to $35,000 for information leading to the arrest of a man wanted for the killing of the Tijuana chief of a state police unit that searches for U.S. fugitives, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico said Friday on social media. Cesar Moisés Hernández, a prisoner w ho was already wanted in the U.S. after escaping from a Central California courthouse, is believed to have killed Abigail Esparza Reyes, chief of the international liaison group in Tijuana for the Baja California State Citizen Security Force, during a shootout Wednesday in Tijuana, authorities said. Fellow state police officers, family and friends honored Esparza, 33, on Friday with a Mass at the New Metropolitan Cathedral in Tijuana and a later service outside the Tijuana Control and Command Center. U.S. Consul General in Tijuana Christopher Teal also attended the Mass. Baja California police colleagues carry the casket of slain Cmdr. Abigail Esparza Reyes Friday in Tijuana. (Baja California Government Press Office) “Her heroic and unwavering commitment to the safety of Americans and Mexicans has left an indelible mark on the communities she has served,” he said in a statement. Esparza, an 11-year veteran of the state police, was part of a law enforcement operation Wednesday to serve an arrest warrant on Hernández, who was located in Tijuana’s Barcelona Residencial neighborhood. The suspect allegedly opened fire during the operation, hitting Esparza, officials said. She was taken to the Tijuana Red Cross, where she died. Cesar Hernandez (California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation) For the past eight years, Esparza headed the Tijuana team of a unit that specializes in locating American fugitives in Mexico, a team nicknamed the Gringo Hunters. During that time, she led operations that resulted in the arrest of 408 fugitives from various countries trying to evade justice in Baja California, Mexican officials said. “Commander Esparza rose quickly through the ranks during her career and was instrumental in locating and arresting many criminals on both sides of the border. Her tragic passing is a great loss not only to Commander Esparza’s family, but also to the U.S. diplomatic mission in Mexico, law enforcement in Baja California, and our community,” Teal said. “Her legacy of courage, integrity, and commitment to justice will continue to inspire those who follow in her footsteps. She gave her life in pursuit of a safer future for all, and her memory will always be remembered,” he added. Hernández managed to run away during the multi-agency operation and is now wanted on both sides of the border. Footage from a security camera obtained by several Tijuana media outlets shows a man, believed to be Hernández, running away in his underwear and changing into a yellow workers jacket. The suspect had been on the run since December, when he escaped from correctional custody in Delano after arriving at Kern County Superior Court. Hernández was sentenced in 2019 to 80 years to life with the possibility of parole for first-degree murder in Los Angeles County. A $30,000 reward for information leading to his arrest was offered at the time. U.S. Marshals personnel were in the area during the operation, the federal agency said in a statement, “but not involved in the shooting incident.” “(USMS personnel) did render aid to Commander Esparza Reyes before she succumbed to injuries,” the agency said. “We mourn her loss along with her family, friends and colleagues. We will continue to assist our international partners with the associated investigations. Those who commit violence against law enforcement officers will be held accountable.” David Arizmendi, press attaché for the U.S. Embassy in Mexico, said in a statement posted on the social media platform X that the U.S. is working with Baja California officials “to share information and ensure that we bring this fugitive to justice as quickly as possible.” “The terrible murder of Commander Esparza is a testament to the seriousness of the security issues that Mexico and the United States face and the importance of binational cooperation to address these threats,” he said. “Commander Esparza will be remembered as a true hero who was killed while bravely supporting binational efforts to keep our countries safe.” Hernández is considered armed and dangerous by officials. Anyone with information can call 887-926-8332 or visit usmarshals.gov/tips. ...read more read less