Mistaken Release of Inmate at Harris County Jail
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office has announced that an inmate who was mistakenly released from the Harris County Jail on a capital murder charge is now back in custody.
The Mistake
According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Justin Tompkins, 21, was mistakenly released from the jail at around 9 p.m. on Thursday. The sheriff’s office initiated a search for Tompkins after jail staff realized the mistake on Friday night. Around 8:40 p.m. on Friday, Tompkins returned to the jail and voluntarily surrendered.
The Investigation
The circumstances surrounding Tompkins’ mistaken release will be investigated, and the early indications are that jail staff mistook Tompkins for another inmate by the same name. The sheriff’s office is still investigating the matter to determine the exact cause of the mistake.
Background of the Case
Tompkins had been in jail since December 2022, when he was arrested on a capital murder charge filed by the Houston Police Department. A judge set Tompkins’ bail at $750,000. He is accused in a deadly shooting that led to the death of 23-year-old Deon Pouncy. A second suspect, Osmin Antonio Zamora-Lopez, was also charged with capital murder in connection to the shooting.
What’s Next
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Tompkins’ mistaken release. The sheriff’s office is working to ensure that all necessary measures are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened to Justin Tompkins?
A: Tompkins was mistakenly released from the Harris County Jail on a capital murder charge.
Q: How did the mistake occur?
A: The early indications are that jail staff mistook Tompkins for another inmate by the same name.
Q: What is Tompkins’ background?
A: Tompkins had been in jail since December 2022, when he was arrested on a capital murder charge filed by the Houston Police Department.
Q: What is the current status of the case?
A: Tompkins is back in custody, and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding his mistaken release.
