Full Notification

Modesto, CA – Fox’s television show “America’s Most Wanted” continues to help Modesto Homicide detectives track down murder suspect Samuel Esequel Esquibel, a 31-year-old Modesto resident. This weekend, the America’s Most Wanted show will feature a segment which will highlight this horrific crime.

On Saturday, August 14, 2010, at about 7:23 P.M., Modesto police officers received the call of a subject down in the parking lot of Humphrey’s College, located at 3600 Sisk Road, in northwest Modesto. When officers arrived, they found 37-year-old Ernie Hernandez Jr. lying on the ground, suffering from multiple stab wounds. Hernandez later died as a result of this violent attack.

Although Ernie was developmentally disabled, he lived an active life, earning a living by working for the Howard Training Center and spending his free time with friends.

Through investigation and tips received from the public, homicide detectives identified Samuel Esequel Esquibel, a 31-year-old Modesto resident, as the responsible person in the killing of Ernie. Esquibel currently has a $1 million warrant for his arrest.

Esquibel has friends and associates both in the Central Valley and the Bay Area. He also has extended family in Utah, South Carolina, North Carolina, Colorado, and Puerto Rico. Esquibel is considered armed and dangerous and police are encouraging the public to call law enforcement if they have any information as to his whereabouts.

The AMW show is currently in its 24th season. To date, America’s Most Wanted has helped capture 1140 fugitives. “Our hope is that the exposure of Esquibel on AMW will help us bring this violent murderer to justice”, said Homicide Detective Terry Seese, who has been the lead detective on this case. “This was a brutal and senseless killing that involved an innocent and vulnerable victim.”

The AMW show featuring Esqubel will air this Saturday night, January 29th, at 9pm EST & PST on the FOX network. They will have exclusive interviews with those who knew Ernie and new footage of Esquibel days after the homicide.

Police ask anyone who may have information regarding this incident to please call America’s Most Wanted at 1-800-CRIME-TV or submit a tip on their website at AMW.com. You may also call Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636. All calls will remain anonymous. Callers to Crime Stoppers may be eligible for a cash reward. Tipsters can also text information to Crime Stoppers by sending a text message to 274637. Just type “TIP704” along with your message.