The Miami-Dade community is on high alert after the unexpected release of James Edward Daniels, a prisoner sentenced to life in prison for the kidnapping, torture, and murder of two Cuban truck drivers in 2020. This incident, attributed to a "procedural error," has sparked strong criticism of the local prison system and triggered a manhunt involving federal authorities.
Gruesome Crime Shocks Opa-locka
On December 5, 2020, the bodies of Osmar Oliva (50) and Johan González Quesada (26) were discovered in the yard of an abandoned house on 1801 Rutland Street in Opa-locka, showing clear signs of torture and multiple gunshot wounds. A third victim managed to survive the ordeal. Reports indicated that the three victims were kidnapped at a truck park, bound, and tortured for hours inside a truck before two were shot in the head and left for dead. The assailants, including Daniels, also stole drugs and jewelry.
Life Sentence and Daniels’ Background
James Edward Daniels (known as "45") was found guilty in December 2024 alongside Frederick Eugene Rudolph and sentenced to life imprisonment. Another accomplice, Herbert Barr, pleaded guilty last November and received a 12-and-a-half-year sentence. Daniels, after his conviction, was serving time in a federal prison in Lake City, Florida, before being transferred to Miami-Dade to face additional local charges, as reported by CBS News.
Procedural Blunder Leads to Release
On Saturday, September 27, 2025, Daniels was mistakenly released from the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center (TGK) due to a "procedural error," according to a statement from the Miami-Dade Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. "Inmate James Daniels was released from TGK due to a procedural error. Our priority is his swift capture and return to custody," stated the department. An internal affairs investigation is underway to examine the circumstances of this incident and any potential policy breaches.
This mistake has not only raised alarm but also serious questions about the prison system's operation. According to CBS News, federal marshals were not notified of the release until a day later, delaying the start of the search operation.
Community Reactions: Outrage and Fear
Residents of the neighborhood where the double murder occurred expressed their horror upon learning that Daniels is back on the streets. A woman interviewed by Univision, who witnessed the police presence on December 5, 2020, said, "It's unbelievable how they can let a man who has killed people, out again due to an error. I'm in shock."
She added, "The police came quickly, shut down the whole block, brought in a SWAT team, investigations, detectives, everyone came and shut it down, and rescue came. This is distressing, a huge mistake with our system… this is negligence." Security experts have also harshly criticized the incident. Former police officer Wayne Black, speaking to Local 10, questioned, "How can they release this man convicted of murder? Pure negligence." He also expressed concern for the safety of those who testified against Daniels, wondering if adequate protection measures are in place until he is recaptured.
Daniels: Armed and Extremely Dangerous Fugitive
Reports unanimously describe Daniels as armed and extremely dangerous. Authorities have issued flyers with his image and have coordinated operations involving local, state, and federal agencies. The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office is working alongside the FBI to ensure his swift recapture.
"The primary focus of the Miami-Dade Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is to guarantee his quick arrest and safe return to custody," reiterated spokesman Juan Diasgranados, as cited by Telemundo 51. Authorities are offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to his capture. Anonymous tips can be submitted to: Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers: 305-471-8477. Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office: 305-471-2400.
Conclusion: Urgent Questions, Unanswered Issues
As the search for James Daniels continues, the incident has exposed serious lapses in protocols for handling and transferring dangerous inmates. The accidental release of a convicted multiple murderer is not just an administrative error—it's a genuine threat to public safety. The exact details of the mistake remain unknown. Was it human error, a paperwork issue, or a more serious breach of security protocols? Authorities have vowed to provide answers.
"Cases like this are extremely rare… but also extremely unacceptable," concluded retired officer Wayne Black.
Key Questions on James Daniels’ Release
What led to the release of James Daniels?
James Daniels was released due to a procedural error at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, which is currently under investigation.
How is the community responding to the release?
The community has expressed outrage and fear, with residents shocked that a convicted murderer has been mistakenly released.
What actions are authorities taking to recapture Daniels?
Authorities have launched a coordinated manhunt involving local, state, and federal agencies, and have offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to his capture.