Authorities in California inadvertently let a murder suspect, who was wanted in Seattle, slip through their fingers, sparking a search across multiple states and drawing criticism from the victim’s family.
The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office acknowledged that Isaiah Jamon Andrews, aged 20, was mistakenly released from the Martinez Detention Facility on October 22, despite there being an active murder warrant for him in Washington state.
Andrews had been apprehended in California just three days after the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Theodore Wheeler IV in Seattle’s Northgate area on October 15. He was supposed to be extradited to Washington when the accidental release occurred.
Officials realized the blunder only after Andrews had already been set free. A thorough search of the vicinity came up empty, prompting the U.S. Marshals Service to take charge of the manhunt.
The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office stated that it is “currently investigating the circumstances” that led to the inadvertent release of the murder suspect.
“Certainly, it was a mistake, and if they could do it all over again, they would handle it differently. But my understanding is that his release was accidental, and they are working tirelessly to apprehend him,” Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes told KUTV.
Authorities said they are still “investigating the circumstances” behind the release. According to the sheriff’s office, Andrews was also facing local charges in California and had an outstanding juvenile warrant out of Sacramento County at the time of his release.
For Wheeler’s family, the news has been devastating. His mother told KING 5 Seattle she learned about the release not from officials, but through other sources.
California authorities say murder suspect Isaiah Jamon Andrews was mistakenly released from jail last week, prompting a multistate search led by the U.S. Marshals Service. (Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office)
“I’m sad, I’m hurt, I’m disappointed. I feel like they don’t care,” she told reporters. “Nobody notified me.”
The victim’s mother says she’s living in fear knowing the man accused of killing her son is once again free. She condemned the way the case was managed and urged officials to take accountability for the mistake.
“They shouldn’t have anyone in the field who would let something like this happen. Never,” she said. “I want someone to step up and take responsibility. They’re putting my family in danger.”
Wheeler’s family described him as the “glue” that held them together.
“He was my strength,” his mother said. “We’re all hurting. I still want justice for my baby. He didn’t deserve this.”
The Seattle Police Department (SPD) said the released inmate is the primary suspect in the Oct. 15 fatal shooting of 20-year-old Theodore Wheeler IV in the city’s Northgate neighborhood. (Seattle Police Department)
Seattle police said Wheeler was found with a gunshot wound to the chest on the evening of Oct. 15 and died at the scene. Detectives identified Andrews as the suspected shooter, and a felony warrant was issued within days.
California authorities notified Seattle police that Andrews had been arrested on Oct. 18, three days after the shooting. However, the planned extradition to Washington did not take place following the release in California.
Barnes said the case illustrates a breakdown within the broader criminal justice process.
“I think sometimes people forget that it is a criminal justice system: cops, courts and corrections. And although we did our due diligence, the courts and that part of the system did not,” Barnes told KUTV.
Fox News Digital reached out to CCCSO for comment.
Authorities warn the public not to approach Andrews if seen. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to call 911 or contact the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office at (925) 646-2441.
Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.
