Crime
New Orleans jail inmate Khalil Bryan released by mistake
NEW ORLEANS — The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that 30-year-old inmate Khalil Bryan was mistakenly released from custody due to a clerical error, according to Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick.
The erroneous release occurred as a result of a misidentification involving two individuals with similar last names, officials said.
Bryan was not scheduled for release at the time, and his accidental discharge has now prompted an internal investigation.
In a formal statement, Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson accepted full responsibility for the incident, stating:
“The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office takes full responsibility for the clerical error that led to the mistaken release of Khalil Bryan, and we offer our sincere apology to the public, our 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. We are currently conducting a full internal investigation, and I can confirm that disciplinary actions will occur.”
Sheriff Hutson further noted that Mr. Bryan is facing a combination of violent and non-violent charges, and that law enforcement agencies are working diligently to locate and apprehend him.
She confirmed that victims associated with Bryan’s criminal charges have been notified, and emphasized that new safeguards are being implemented to prevent future errors of this nature.
Bryan was previously held on charges including:
- Illegal possession of stolen property
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Resisting an officer
- Aggravated assault with a firearm
- Domestic abuse child endangerment
- Home invasion
Additionally, Bryan was being detained on a separate warrant issued by Jefferson Parish.
The New Orleans Police Department, Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, and the presiding judge in the case have all been notified of the mistaken release.
Efforts to locate and return Bryan to custody are actively ongoing.
Superintendent Kirkpatrick is expected to hold a press conference addressing the incident and outlining corrective actions being taken by the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office.
This incident follows a troubling pattern at the facility. On May 16, ten inmates escaped from the Orleans Parish Jail.
All but one, Derrick Groves, have since been recaptured.
Further updates on Bryan’s recapture and the internal investigation will be provided as they become available.
CHICAGO, IL — A man was found shot to death Friday night on Chicago’s South Side, prompting a homicide investigation by Area One detectives, according to the Chicago Police Department.
Officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 900 block of West 63rd Parkway in the Englewood neighborhood at approximately 10:00 p.m.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a 36-year-old male victim suffering from gunshot wounds to the head and neck.
Emergency medical personnel were called to the scene, but the victim was pronounced dead on arrival.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office later identified him as Emerald Pretty, age 36.
According to preliminary information, a male suspect exited a white sedan, approached the victim, and opened fire before fleeing the scene in the same vehicle.
No arrests have been made at this time, and Area One detectives are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Authorities have not released details on a possible motive or whether the incident may have been targeted.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact the Chicago Police Department’s Area One Bureau of Detectives or submit an anonymous tip through CPD’s tip line or Crime Stoppers.