Homicide Suspect Mistakenly Released from California Jail Re-Arrested After 5 Months

Isaiah Andrews, wanted for a deadly shooting in Washington state, was found in Missouri after a months-long manhunt.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:22pm by Ben Kaplan

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An extreme close-up photograph of a metal handcuff against a pitch-black background, lit dramatically by a harsh camera flash to create a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The mistaken release of a homicide suspect exposes vulnerabilities in the criminal justice system that can put public safety at risk.San Francisco Today

Five months after being mistakenly released from the Contra Costa County Jail, 20-year-old Isaiah Andrews, a homicide suspect from Seattle, Washington, has been arrested in St. Louis, Missouri. Andrews was wanted for the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Theodore Wheeler outside a hotel in October 2025. He was initially arrested in Antioch, California following a pursuit, but was mistakenly released from the Martinez Detention Facility on October 22nd. Authorities launched a search but were unable to locate him at the time.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious consequences that can occur when suspects are mistakenly released from custody, especially those wanted for violent crimes. It raises questions about jail procedures, communication between law enforcement agencies, and the need for improved safeguards to prevent such errors.

The details

Andrews was initially arrested in Antioch, California on October 18, 2025 following a pursuit, in connection with the fatal shooting of Theodore Wheeler in Seattle three days earlier. Along with the homicide warrant, Andrews was also being held on local charges and a juvenile warrant out of Sacramento. However, on October 22nd, Andrews was mistakenly released from the Martinez Detention Facility. Deputies said they launched a search of the immediate area after realizing Andrews was released, but were unable to locate him.

  • On October 15, 2025, Andrews is suspected of fatally shooting Theodore Wheeler outside a hotel in Seattle, Washington.
  • Three days later, on October 18, 2025, Andrews was located and arrested by authorities in Antioch, California following a pursuit.
  • On October 22, 2025, Andrews was mistakenly released from the Martinez Detention Facility in Contra Costa County, California.
  • On April 2, 2026, the U.S. Marshals Service located and arrested Andrews in St. Louis, Missouri, five months after his mistaken release.

The players

Isaiah Andrews

A 20-year-old homicide suspect from the Seattle, Washington suburb of Kent, who was wanted for the fatal shooting of Theodore Wheeler in October 2025.

Theodore Wheeler

A 20-year-old man who was fatally shot outside a hotel in Seattle, Washington in October 2025.

Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency responsible for the Martinez Detention Facility, where Andrews was mistakenly released.

U.S. Marshals Service

The federal law enforcement agency that located and arrested Andrews in St. Louis, Missouri five months after his mistaken release.

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What’s next

The Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office has not yet provided further details on how Andrews was mistakenly released from their custody or what steps they are taking to prevent such errors in the future.

The takeaway

This case highlights the critical importance of proper jail procedures and communication between law enforcement agencies to ensure dangerous suspects do not slip through the cracks, even temporarily. It raises concerns about the potential public safety risks when such mistakes occur and the need for increased accountability and oversight.