Khalil Bryan is still on the run, more than 72 hours after deputies said he was mistakenly released.
Officials tell us they cannot release additional information about the mix-up at this point, due to the ongoing investigation.
WDSU Reporter Shay O’Connor was live outside of Orleans Justice Center after requesting additional information from the sheriff’s office on this case.
She asked the sheriff’s office for additional details about the release, including when it happened and the circumstances surrounding the release.
She also asked them for surveillance video that could help the public. So far, they said the situation is open and active, and city officials tell us they are also operating on limited details.
Jason Williams, the New Orleans District Attorney, said, “I think it’s safe to say we have not gotten sufficient answers about how something of this magnitude could happen.”
Williams said he does not understand how Bryan was mistakenly released from the jail, over a name.
“A similar last name doesn’t cut it. The individual released was close to 300 lbs. and well over 6 ft. tall. Whereas the person whose bond was paid was about 100 lbs. and very slight.”
Bryan was serving time on a slew of violent charges, including resisting an officer. He also had an active warrant for charges including domestic abuse, child endangerment and home invasion.
Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office tell WDSU was also held on a warrant from Jefferson Parish following a vehicle pursuit with their deputies in July of 2023- deputies allege Bryan, missed a court date.
People who live and work near the jail said they don’t feel comfortable. Especially since the escape of ten inmates back in May. Outside the jail, graffiti that read “To Easy LOL”, a parody of a drawing found right after that escape.
Kyle Carter said, “It’s definitely an uneasy feeling that it’s one- easy for inmates to break out now we have people being released accidentally. It’s definitely an uneasy feeling in the community.”
Meanwhile, the DA said the inmate Bryan is said to have been mistaken with could still be in custody.
Williams said, “It’s equally problematic to hold a person in jail when their mother has posted a bond for release. You are not doing a solid by keeping one person in jail because you released the wrong person. The last time I checked he had not been released yet.”
We do not know the other inmate’s name at this point.
The district attorney is encouraging the sheriff to ask for help.
Meanwhile Bryan could be facing additional charges for refusing to turn himself in and OPSO officials involved with the mistaken release could also be penalized.
Derrick Groves, the inmate who escaped the jail on May 16, is still on the loose.
If you know anything about the whereabouts of Groves and now Bryan, you are urged to call Crime Stoppers at 504.822.1111.
READ MORE:NOLA inmate mistakenly released by jail still on the loose; more than two months after 10 escaped
