Los Angeles Officials Mistakenly Release Alleged Murderer

Authorities in Los Angeles were hunting a murder suspect Tuesday morning after they mistakenly released him from custody while he was awaiting trial.

Steven Lawrence Wright, 37, was “erroneously released” from Los Angeles’ Inmate Reception Center before his trial for the gang-related murder in January 2011, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said in a statement Monday.

“He should be assumed to be armed and dangerous because he is a known gang member,” LASD spokesman Cmdr. Keith Swensson told NBC Southern California.

Wright was “erroneously released” around 12:55 p.m. Saturday (3:55 p.m. ET) and the sheriff’s department said it “became aware of the release” at 9:30…

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