California law enforcement officials inadvertently released a murder suspect wanted in Seattle, sparking a multistate search effort and dismay from the victim’s family.

The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that 20-year-old Isaiah Jamon Andrews was mistakenly freed from the Martinez Detention Facility on October 22, despite facing an active murder warrant from Washington state.

Andrews had been detained in California just three days following the October 15 shooting of 20-year-old Theodore Wheeler IV in Seattle’s Northgate neighborhood. He was awaiting transfer to Washington when the error in his release occurred.

Authorities discovered the blunder only after Andrews had already been released. A subsequent search of the vicinity failed to locate him, prompting the U.S. Marshals Service to step in and lead the manhunt.

The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office has stated that it is “currently investigating the circumstances” that led to the accidental release of the suspect in this high-profile case.

“Certainly, it was an error that if they had to go back and do it all again, they would’ve done something differently. But it’s my understanding that he was released by accident, and they are working feverishly to put him back into custody,” Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes told KUTV.

Authorities said they are still “investigating the circumstances” behind the release. According to the sheriff’s office, Andrews was also facing local charges in California and had an outstanding juvenile warrant out of Sacramento County at the time of his release.

For Wheeler’s family, the news has been devastating. His mother told KING 5 Seattle she learned about the release not from officials, but through other sources.

California authorities say murder suspect Isaiah Jamon Andrews was mistakenly released from jail last week, prompting a multistate search led by the U.S. Marshals Service. (Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office)

“I’m sad, I’m hurt, I’m disappointed. I feel like they don’t care,” she told reporters. “Nobody notified me.”

The victim’s mother says she’s living in fear knowing the man accused of killing her son is once again free. She condemned the way the case was managed and urged officials to take accountability for the mistake.

“They shouldn’t have anyone in the field who would let something like this happen. Never,” she said. “I want someone to step up and take responsibility. They’re putting my family in danger.”

Wheeler’s family described him as the “glue” that held them together.

“He was my strength,” his mother said. “We’re all hurting. I still want justice for my baby. He didn’t deserve this.”

The Seattle Police Department (SPD) said the released inmate is the primary suspect in the Oct. 15 fatal shooting of 20-year-old Theodore Wheeler IV in the city’s Northgate neighborhood. (Seattle Police Department)

Seattle police said Wheeler was found with a gunshot wound to the chest on the evening of Oct. 15 and died at the scene. Detectives identified Andrews as the suspected shooter, and a felony warrant was issued within days.

California authorities notified Seattle police that Andrews had been arrested on Oct. 18, three days after the shooting. However, the planned extradition to Washington did not take place following the release in California.

Barnes said the case illustrates a breakdown within the broader criminal justice process.

“I think sometimes people forget that it is a criminal justice system: cops, courts and corrections. And although we did our due diligence, the courts and that part of the system did not,” Barnes told KUTV.

Fox News Digital reached out to CCCSO for comment.

Authorities warn the public not to approach Andrews if seen. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to call 911 or contact the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office at (925) 646-2441.

Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.