A search begins for murder suspect Kevin Mason who was accidentally released from Indiana prison as police keep the mistake secret for SIX DAYS
- Kevin Smith, 28, was arrested on suspicion of murder after the shooting in Minnesota
- It took two years to arrest the suspect, but he was released after just two days
- The Marion County Sheriff’s Office blamed an administrative error for the release and fired two employees
A 24-hour manhunt is underway in Indiana after a suspected murderer was accidentally released from jail due to an administrative error.
Kevin Mason, 28, was arrested on September 11 after more than two years on the run for allegedly shooting a man at a funeral in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
But just two days later, Mason left the Indianapolis Adult Detention Center after being released due to a “critical” administrative error.
The police then waited another six days before admitting their mistake to the public.
Colonel James Martin, of the Marion Country Sheriff’s Department, said NBC News one of the inmates’ clerks was changing the entries for Mason and accidentally deleted two of the charges against him, believing them to be duplicates.
Convicted violent felon Kevin Mason, 28, who is wanted for murder, was accidentally released from prison in Indiana after a clerical error
Mason was captured after two years on the run, but walked out of the Adult Detention Center in Indianapolis after just two days because of the mistake
Mason was charged with murder, parole violation and possession of a firearm.
On September 13, Ramsey County Minnesota levied the last and final charge against Mason without catching the previous day’s mistake, meaning he could walk free.
He described it as ‘a critical error, critical error” and said two archives employees have been fired as a result.
The blunder was discovered “shortly” after Mason’s release but “should never have happened,” Martin added.
A massive manhunt has been underway since then as authorities scramble to locate the fugitive.
Mason was charged with second-degree murder for the killing of 29-year-old Dontevius Ahmad Catchings outside the Shiloh Temple in June 2021.
Mason, who has four convictions for violent crimes, managed to evade arrest for more than two years and is said to have hid in Florida at one point.
He was eventually arrested in Indiana on September 11 on three separate warrants from Minnesota for murder, parole violation and firearm possession.
Colonel James Martin said police waited six days before disclosing the mistake to gain a “tactical advantage” over Mason
Dontevius Ahmad Catchings, alleged victim of Kevin Mason, was murdered in June 2021 during a funeral outside the Shiloh Temple in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Police claimed they waited six days before announcing the escape to gain a tactical advantage over Mason.
They insist there is no threat to the general public but have advised locals not to approach Mason if he is spotted.
He is described as 6 feet tall and weighing about 200 pounds, with distinctive tattoos including the word SUB on his chest and a cross under his eye.
Colonel Martin added: “I would also like to assure the public that we will not rest until he is captured.”
The police chief believes others could help shelter the fugitive and urged the public to come forward with any information.
Colonel Martin said officers almost trapped Mason, but believe others might help him.
Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers or 911 with tips.