California Murder Suspect Accidentally Freed From Jail Before Extradition to Seattle — Now a Multi-State Manhunt Is Underway
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA — Law enforcement agencies across two states are searching for a 20-year-old murder suspect who was accidentally released from a California jail while awaiting extradition to Seattle. The suspect, identified as Isaiah Jamon Andrews of Kent, Washington, was freed from the Martinez Detention Facility under unexplained circumstances, prompting an urgent review and a multi-agency manhunt.
A Costly Mistake Sparks Urgent Manhunt
Authorities said Andrews had been arrested on October 18 after a police chase in Antioch, California, where officers discovered he was wanted in Washington for the murder of a 20-year-old man in Seattle. The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Andrews was meant to remain in custody until extradition but was mistakenly released on or around October 22. Officials did not announce the error until days later, allowing Andrews to vanish. Sheriff’s spokesperson Jimmy Lee said the department is investigating how such a serious oversight occurred, calling the situation “deeply concerning.”
Federal and Local Agencies Join the Search
Once deputies realized Andrews was missing, officers immediately launched a search around the jail but found no trace of him. The U.S. Marshals Service, Seattle Police Department, and Contra Costa County investigators are now coordinating efforts to locate him. Investigators suspect he may still be in California or could have returned to Washington. Authorities described Andrews as armed, dangerous, and highly mobile, warning the public not to approach him if seen. Officials say a full internal review is underway to determine how a suspect with an active murder warrant could have been mistakenly released from custody.
Questions Over Jail Protocol and Oversight
Seattle police confirmed that Andrews was awaiting extradition for a Seattle motel homicide earlier this month, in which a young man known locally as “Scoota” was shot and killed. The victim has not yet been publicly identified. The case has drawn national attention not only for the violent crime but also for the system failure that led to Andrews’ release. Sheriff’s deputies and federal agents are canvassing neighborhoods, reviewing surveillance footage, and contacting known associates in both California and Washington. Officials have not disclosed whether disciplinary action will follow but stated that the release “should never have happened.”
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Authorities are urging anyone with information about Isaiah Jamon Andrews’ location to contact local law enforcement or the U.S. Marshals Service. The incident has raised major concerns about jail management procedures, extradition communication errors, and public safety.
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