HONOLULU (AP) - The Latest on a Hawaii murder suspect mistakenly released from jail (all times local):
3:40 p.m.
The attorney for a Hawaii man charged with murder who mistakenly released from jail while awaiting trial says he’s been in touch with his client.
Jason Kwiat says there was a mix-up at Hawaii Community Correctional Center in Hilo “for whatever reason.” Kwiat says he was trying to figure out whether Tuesday’s release was valid when Brian Smith was in contact with him.
He says prosecutors found out the release was a mistake Thursday morning and the court set a hearing for 1:15 p.m. in hopes Kwiat could get his client there. But Kwiat says he wasn’t able to reach his client in time for the hearing. He says Smith didn’t have prior notice of the hearing.
Kwiat says he hasn’t spoken to Smith on Thursday. He says he would advise Smith to turn himself in.
____
3:10 p.m.
Hawaii authorities are searching for a man charged with murder who was mistakenly released from jail while awaiting trial.
The state Department of Public Safety says Brian Smith was being heled on $1.15 million bail but was mistakenly released on the Big Island on Tuesday.
The department announced his mistaken release Thursday, saying he was scheduled to appear in court but didn’t show up. The release says the department is investigating circumstances surrounding the mistake.
Smith was charged with murder in connection with the shooting death of 42-year-old Thomas Ballesteros Jr.
Authorities describe 49-year-old Smith as 5 foot, 7 inches and 130 pounds with gray hair and blue eyes.
A $2 million bench warrant has been issued.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.