INDIANAPOLIS, IN – A significant search operation is currently in progress in Indiana following the inadvertent release of a murder suspect from a detention center. The incident, which was kept confidential for six days, was initially hidden to provide a “strategic edge” in the pursuit of the suspect.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Kevin Mason, 28, was erroneously discharged from the Adult Detention Center (ADC) on September 13, a mere two days post his apprehension. The mishap was attributed to an “erroneous record review” conducted by the staff.
The Sheriff’s Office is currently conducting an internal investigation into the incident. As a result of the investigation, two employees have been dismissed from their positions.
The authorities made a public appeal for assistance six days after Mason’s unintentional release. They explained that the delay in informing the public was a strategic move to maintain an advantage in their search for Mason.
Mason, who is a suspect in a homicide case, has three outstanding arrest warrants in Minnesota. He is believed to be involved in a fatal shooting that occurred outside the Shiloh Temple, a Pentecostal church, in Minneapolis in 2021.
Court records indicate that Mason was involved in a physical altercation with Dontevius Ahmad Catchings outside the Shiloh Temple. Witnesses report that the dispute was over a firearm that Mason had failed to return to Catchings. After the altercation, Mason allegedly shot Catchings multiple times as he was walking away, resulting in Catchings’ death. Mason is charged with second-degree murder and possession of a firearm following a previous conviction.
Mason is described as being 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing 205 pounds, and having a cross tattoo under his left eye, the letters SUB tattooed on his chest, and distinctive tattoos on his neck. The authorities are urging anyone with information about Mason’s location to contact Crime Stoppers at 317-262-TIPS (8477).