Manhunt enters seventh day after murder suspect accidentally released from Indiana prison

A manhunt has been launched for a suspected murderer who was accidentally released from an Indiana prison.

Kevin Mason, 28, was mistakenly released from the Marion County Adult Detention Center (ADC) on Sept. 13 — just two days after his arrest — due to a record-keeping error, authorities acknowledged .

Police then waited six days before informing the public of Mr Mason’s release.

Colonel James Martin of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office revealed details of the botched incident Tuesday, hours before the search entered its seventh day.

“I want to reassure the public that a 24-hour manhunt has been underway ever since,” he said, adding that authorities had not informed the public because they wanted use this time as a “tactical advantage” against Mr. Mason. to avoid any risk of him escaping underground.

The sheriff’s office believes Mr. Mason remains in Marion County and is receiving help from someone locally.

Mr. Mason was wanted on a murder warrant in connection with a 2021 fatal shooting in Minneapolis, as well as charges of parole violation and firearm possession.

He is accused of shooting and killing Dontevius A Catchings, 29, in the Shiloh Temple parking lot after the funeral of a mutual friend, according to local news reports at the time.

Since his release from prison last week, several officials have been fired, with Mr. Martin saying the Ramsey County clerk and two Marion County clerks failed to notice an error relating to Mr. Mason’s booking information.

“This shouldn’t have happened,” he said.

An investigation is currently underway to determine whether any policy or procedure violations occurred.

Mr. Mason is five feet nine inches tall and weighs approximately 205 pounds. He has a cross tattoo under his right eye, “SUB” tattooed on his chest and also has a neck tattoo.

Residents are encouraged to come forward with any details or tips that may help police identify and locate Mr Mason.

People with information are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 317-262-TIPS and anyone who sees Mr. Mason is asked to call 911.

Mr. Mason is not the first murder suspect to be mistakenly released from the Indianapolis prison since it began operating in January 2022.

In May 2022, Noah Edwards, who faces charges of murder and robbery resulting in serious bodily injury, was mistakenly released from prison after another person with the same name was supposed to be released the same day.

Police arrested Mr. Edwards 11 hours later in southwest Indianapolis.