Authorities in California and Washington are searching for 20-year-old Isaiah Jamon Andrews after he was mistakenly released from the Martinez Detention Facility despite being held on multiple warrants, including one connected to a fatal shooting in Seattle. The accidental release has triggered widespread concern, a multi-state manhunt, and an internal review into how a homicide suspect was able to walk out of custody without detection.
Officials say Andrews was originally arrested following a vehicle pursuit in Contra Costa County. After his arrest, he was booked on local charges as well as an outstanding out-of-state warrant related to a deadly shooting in Seattle’s Northgate area. He had been in custody for only a few days when he was unexpectedly released. Jail administrators have not explained what specific error led to the mistake, but early indications suggest that the issue stemmed from a paperwork or processing oversight.
The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office said they discovered the error shortly after Andrews had already left the facility. Staff began an immediate search of the surrounding area, but he has not been located. The sheriff’s office has since partnered with the U.S. Marshals Service and law enforcement agencies in Washington state, where Andrews is wanted in connection with the killing of a 23-year-old man earlier this month.
The accidental release of a suspect tied to a homicide case has raised serious questions about internal procedures, staffing, and verification protocols within the detention facility. Officials have launched a full administrative investigation to determine how the mistake occurred and what procedural breakdown allowed it to go unnoticed until it was too late. Local leaders are urging transparency and swift corrective action to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The release has also prompted concern among Seattle residents familiar with the case, as Andrews had been considered dangerous and was already the subject of a growing investigation in Washington. Family members of the victim, who were notified of the release, expressed frustration and disbelief that such a critical error could occur.
As of now, the search for Andrews remains active. Authorities are asking anyone who may have information about his whereabouts to contact law enforcement immediately. The sheriff’s office is expected to provide further updates once additional details from the internal review are available.
