The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office (CCCSO) confirmed that 20-year-old Isaiah Jamon Andrews was erroneously released from the Martinez Detention Facility on Oct. 3, despite an active Washington state murder warrant. The error occurred on Oct. 22, when Andrews was erroneously released, despite an active Washington state murder warrant. Authorities confirmed the mistake only after Andrews walked free, prompting U.S. Marshals to take over the search for the suspect.
Andrews was arrested in California three days after the Oct. 15 shooting death of Theodore Wheeler IV, 20, in Seattle’s Northgate neighborhood. He was awaiting extradition to Washington when the release occurred. Deputies said they realized the mistake only after Andrews had walked free. A search of the surrounding area turned up nothing, and the U.S. Marshals Service has since taken over the manhunt.
Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes told KUTV that the case illustrates a breakdown within the broader criminal justice process. “I think sometimes people forget that it is a criminal justice system: cops, courts and corrections. And although we did our due diligence, the courts and that part of the system did not,” Barnes said. Authorities have warned the public not to approach Andrews if seen. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to call 911 or contact the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office at (925) 646-2441.
The victim’s family has expressed devastation, with his mother telling KING 5 Seattle that she learned about the release not from officials but through other sources. She condemned the way the case was managed and urged officials to take accountability for the mistake. “They shouldn’t have anyone in the field who would let something like this happen. Never,” she said. “I want someone to step up and take responsibility. They’re putting my family in danger.”
The victim’s mother said she’s living in fear knowing the man accused of killing her son is once again free. She condemned the way the case was managed and urged officials to take accountability for the mistake. “They shouldn’t have anyone in the field who would let something like this happen. Never,” she said. “I want someone to step up and take responsibility. They’re putting my family in danger.”
Wheeler’s family described him as the “glue” that held them together. “He was my strength,” his mother said. “We’re all hurting. I still want justice for my baby. He didn’t deserve this.”