Louisiana authorities were on their typical route Friday to transport inmates to a bus station who were set to be released after serving their time. However, authorities found out later one of the inmates in the group had no business being freed.
Christopher Davis, 31, was arrested by Baton Rouge Police in January 2023 for the fatal shooting of a 37-year-old man the month prior. Davis had been detained behind bars awaiting a court sentence on March 17 when he was suddenly grouped with a bunch of East Carroll inmates to be transferred to the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.
The East Carroll prisoners were set to be released after having finished their sentences. Following the ride into the city, for some unknown reason, Davis was dropped off at a bus station, free to walk with pending murder charges.
East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore told WBRZ it’s unclear why Davis was transported weeks ahead of his next hearing.
“In speaking with the warden and the sheriff’s office they had no formal communication saying, ‘Hey, heads up. This prisoner is coming back and he’s coming back because of these reasons and he should be at your facility at this time,’” said Moore. “So, no one was aware that he was out until they were notified.”
After it was discovered Davis was on the loose, deputies went on the hunt for him, stopping at his family’s home first, the report says. However, when the cops showed up asking questions, the family was confused because they didn’t even know he’d been freed. In fact, they had their own criticisms for the police.
“Why did y’all let him out in the first place? Y’all telling us he was not supposed to be released, but he was released, y’all made a big hiccup,” one family member told WBRZ. “He didn’t escape, y’all let him out.”
It’s unclear where Davis went during the hours he enjoyed the fresh air. Though, authorities say Davis was recaptured Sunday night.