It was a manhunt.
A convicted murderer who was mistakenly released from a Georgia jail has been taken back into custody, officials confirmed. Kathan Guzman, who had been on the run for over two weeks, was found by U.S. Marshals at his mother’s home in central Florida. His release, which occurred due to a paperwork error, sparked a manhunt and raised serious concerns about procedural failures within the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office.
Guzman was originally arrested in 2022 for the killing of his 19-year-old girlfriend, Delila Grayson. He was convicted in 2024 on charges of felony murder and aggravated assault and was sentenced to life in prison. However, due to a mistake on March 27, he was erroneously allowed to walk free from jail. Sheriff Levon Allen later acknowledged that the error was caused by staff negligence and insufficient training.
District Attorney Tasha Mosley, who had previously celebrated the conviction as a step toward justice for Grayson’s family, expressed disappointment over the mishap. She emphasized that her team had worked hard to bring the case to a close and ensure public safety. The premature release of Guzman, she said, undermined the community’s sense of security and the family’s peace of mind.
The situation deeply affected Grayson’s mother, who said she was assured by authorities that Guzman would never be released. She expressed fear for the public’s safety, describing him as a trained fighter who could pose a serious threat. Her emotional response highlighted the impact of the error not just on the justice system, but also on the victim’s loved ones.
Authorities say investigations into the release are ongoing, and steps are being taken to ensure that such a mistake does not happen again. While Guzman has now been recaptured, the incident has raised broader questions about jail oversight, staff accountability, and the need for stronger safeguards in handling high-risk offenders.
