California officials accidentally released a murder suspect from Seattle, igniting outrage and investigations spanning multiple states. The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Isaiah Hammon Andrews, a 20-year-old, was let go from the Martinez Detention Center on October 22, despite an outstanding murder warrant from Washington state.
Andrews had been arrested in California just three days after the fatal shooting of Theodore Wheeler IV, 20, in Seattle’s Northgate area on October 15. At the time of his release, Andrews was waiting to be extradited to Washington.
The deputies only realized their error after he had been released. A search followed but yielded no results, leading the U.S. Marshals Service to take over the manhunt.
“It’s certainly difficult to say I would have acted differently knowing how this unfolded. But, I recognize it was a coincidence that he was released,” Seattle Police Chief Shon Burns noted, explaining that the police are actively working to recapture him. Authorities are still probing the circumstances of Andrews’ release.
Adding to the complexity, Andrews is facing local charges in California and had an existing juvenile warrant out of Sacramento County. The news has deeply affected Wheeler’s family. His mother revealed that she learned about Andrews’ release not from the authorities, but through other channels.
“I’m feeling sad, hurt, and really disappointed. It’s as if they don’t care,” she expressed to reporters. Following the incident, she has been living in fear with the knowledge that her son’s accused murderer was on the loose again. She criticized the handling of her son’s case and demanded accountability.
“There shouldn’t be anyone allowed to let something like this happen. It just shouldn’t occur,” she said. “I want to see someone take responsibility. My family is at risk here.”
Wheeler’s family described him as the person who kept them united. His mother added, “He was my strength. We’re all hurting. I still seek justice for my baby. He didn’t deserve this.”
Seattle police reported that Wheeler was found with a gunshot wound on the night of October 15 and died at the scene. Detectives soon identified Andrews as the shooter, leading to a felony warrant just days later.
Authorities in California informed Seattle police about Andrews’ arrest on October 18. However, after his release, the anticipated extradition to Washington did not occur. Chief Burns remarked that this case highlights broader issues within the criminal justice system.
“Sometimes people overlook that it’s a combined system: police, courts, corrections. Although we did our part, the courts and other aspects didn’t follow through,” Burns stated.
Law enforcement has warned the public against approaching Andrews if spotted and urges anyone with information to call 911 or reach out to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office.
