Inmate Wrongly Released, Manhunt Underway

Mistaken Release of Inmate Sparks Investigation and Public Concern

New Orleans police, the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office (OPSO), and other local agencies are currently searching for a man who was mistakenly released from the Orleans Parish Jail. The individual in question is Khalil Bryan, who is facing multiple violent charges. According to the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, Bryan was incorrectly released due to a misidentification between two individuals with similar last names.

Bryan is accused of illegal possession of stolen property, possession of drug paraphernalia, and resisting an officer. Additionally, he has an active warrant from the Criminal District Court Section H for aggravated assault with a firearm, domestic abuse, child endangerment, and home invasion. He was also being held under a warrant in Jefferson Parish.

All victims involved in the matter have been notified. An internal investigation has been launched by OPSO, as confirmed by Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson. In a statement, she expressed full responsibility for the clerical error that led to Bryan’s release and apologized to the public, law enforcement partners, and the court.

“This incident was the result of human error: a misidentification based on a shared last name between two individuals,” said Hutson. “We are currently conducting a full internal investigation, and I can confirm that disciplinary actions will occur. Mr. Bryan is facing violent and non-violent charges, and we are coordinating closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure his swift return to custody. Most importantly, the victims in these matters have been notified. We are implementing safeguards to prevent this from happening again. Public safety remains our highest priority.”

Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams also issued a statement regarding the situation. He mentioned that Bryan was being held on a $100,000 bench warrant related to a failure to appear for arraignment in case 562-509 H, and an additional $25,000 bond tied to new felony charges. Despite these holds, Bryan was released in error when deputies, responding to a bond posted by an unrelated individual for another inmate, failed to properly verify identity and mistakenly discharged Bryan instead.

“This is a deeply troubling incident that underscores the ongoing systemic issues surrounding the exercise of custody and control over detained individuals,” said Williams. “The failure to properly confirm the identity of an inmate prior to release is an unacceptable lapse that presents a real and immediate risk to public safety.”

OPDA Victim Advocates have initiated victim outreach, and will continue efforts until all victims and witnesses associated with Bryan's prosecution are reached. Where contact cannot be made, investigators are being dispatched to ensure affected victims and their families are notified and receive appropriate support.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill also commented on the situation, stating that she does not have all the details yet. However, she emphasized that the individual should turn himself in to avoid additional charges. She has made several recommendations to the Sheriff that could significantly improve day-to-day operations if implemented.

This incident comes just 10 weeks after 10 inmates escaped the Orleans Parish Jail on May 16. Nine of those inmates have since been recaptured and pleaded not guilty. Derrick Groves is the last one still at large.

Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information about Khalil Bryan’s whereabouts to immediately contact them. The community remains on high alert as authorities work to locate the individual and ensure public safety.