Manhunt launched after murder suspect was accidentally freed from jail

An ‘around the clock’ manhunt is underway in Indiana after a suspected killer was accidentally released from jail due to an administrative error. Kevin Mason (pictured left), 28, was arrested on September 11 after more than two years on the run for allegedly shooting a man at a funeral in Minneapolis, Minnesota . But just two days later, Mason walked free from the Adult Detention Center in Indianapolis after a ‘critical’ clerical error saw him earmarked for release. 

Police then waited a further six days before admitting their mistake to the public. Colonel James Martin (pictured), of the Marion Country Sheriff’s Department, told NBC News one of the inmate records’ clerks was amending bookings for Mason and accidentally removed two of the charges against him, believing them to be duplicates. 

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Mason had been charged with homicide, parole violation and firearms possession. On September 13, Ramsey County Minnesota lifted the last and final charge against Mason without catching the previous day’s error, meaning that he could walk free. He described it as ‘ a critical error, critical mistake’ and said that two records clerks have been dismissed as a result. The blunder was discovered ‘shortly’ after Mason’s release, but ‘should never have happened,’ Martin added. 

Since then a huge manhunt has been unfolding as authorities scramble to locate the fugitive. Mason was charged with second-degree murder over the killing of Dontevius Ahmad Catchings, 29, outside the Shiloh Temple in June 2021. Mason, who already has four felony convictions for violent crimes, evaded capture for more than two years and was thought to be hiding out in Florida at one point. He was finally arrested in Indiana on September 11 on three separate warrants out of Minnesota for homicide, parole violation and firearms possession. Police claimed they waited six days before publicizing the escape in order to gain a tactical advantage over Mason. They insist there is no threat to the wider public, but have advised locals not to approach Mason if spotted.

He is described as 5’9″ and around 200lbs with distinctive tattoos including the word SUB on his chest and a cross under the eye. Colonel Martin added: ‘I also want to assure the public we will not rest until he’s captured.’ The police chief believes that others could be helping to harbor the fugitive and urged the public to come forward with any information. Colonel Martin said officers have been close to snaring Mason, but believe others may be helping the harbor him. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers or 911 with tips. Pictured: Dontevius Ahmad Catchings, alleged victim of Kevin Mason. Read the full story:

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