INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Indiana is currently in the grip of a large-scale manhunt following the accidental release of a murder suspect from a detention facility. The incident was kept from the public for nearly a week, a move authorities say was designed to give them a “tactical upper hand” in tracking him down.
Kevin Mason, a 28-year-old murder suspect, was mistakenly let go from the Adult Detention Center (ADC) on September 13, just two days after his arrest. The mishap occurred due to a “record review error” by the staff, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
The Sheriff’s Office has launched an internal probe into the matter, which has already resulted in the termination of two employees.
Six days after Mason’s inadvertent release, the authorities turned to the public for help. They explained that the delay in public notification was a strategic decision aimed at maintaining an advantage in their search for Mason.
Mason, who is wanted for a murder case, has three arrest warrants pending in Minnesota. He is allegedly linked to a fatal shooting incident that took place outside the Shiloh Temple, a Pentecostal church, in Minneapolis in 2021.
According to court documents, Mason was involved in a brawl with Dontevius Ahmad Catchings outside the Shiloh Temple. Witnesses claim the fight was over a gun that Mason had failed to return to Catchings. Mason allegedly shot Catchings multiple times as he was walking away, leading to Catchings’ death. Mason faces charges of second-degree murder and illegal possession of a firearm after a previous conviction.
Mason is described as being 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing 205 pounds, with a cross tattoo under his left eye, the letters SUB tattooed on his chest, and distinctive tattoos on his neck. Authorities are urging anyone with information about Mason’s whereabouts to contact Crime Stoppers at 317-262-TIPS (8477).