Reward Offered for Information on Life-Sentenced Convict Released "By Mistake" in Miami

The release of James Daniels, a convicted murderer serving a life sentence for the killings of two Cubans, has sparked outrage and concern across South Florida. Daniels was mistakenly freed from a Miami-Dade jail last Saturday, prompting authorities to increase the reward for information leading to his recapture to $30,000. An internal investigation is underway to determine the failures that allowed his release.

Miami-Dade Mayor Addresses the Blunder

County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava publicly acknowledged the error, emphasizing that local authorities are working diligently to uncover how such a significant breach in the prison system occurred. "Unfortunately, we made a mistake, and obviously, we're all focused on the search, a critical priority," she stated in a Tuesday interview with Local 10.

Levine Cava assured that a comprehensive internal review is being conducted to assess current protocols and rectify any weaknesses that enabled the release of an individual convicted of murder. "While human errors do happen occasionally, they are obviously unacceptable. We must continue to ensure we can prevent such errors in the future," she insisted.

The exact reason behind Daniels' transfer from a federal prison to a county jail remains unclear, but the mayor suggested jurisdictional issues might have played a role. "Since Daniels was convicted on local and state charges, jurisdictional issues might have contributed to his release," she explained.

Despite the incident, Levine Cava expressed confidence in the county's correctional staff: "Absolutely. We have an outstanding corrections department. We were just cleared after 11 years under federal oversight. We are one of the safest jails in the country, and we are always striving to improve our processes."

Increased Reward and Active Search

Following the mayor's remarks, authorities announced that the reward for information on Daniels had been raised to $30,000, underscoring the urgency of the case. The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office (MDSO) urged the community to assist by providing any clues that could help locate the fugitive. Daniels is considered "armed and dangerous." Residents are advised to avoid contact and instead call 305-471-2400 (MDSO) or 305-471-8477 (Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers) to provide confidential tips.

Security experts have voiced concerns for the safety of those who testified against him at trial. Wayne Black, a former law enforcement officer and security consultant, questioned, "How could they release this guy sentenced for murder? It's pure negligence."

Profile of Convicted Killer James Daniels

James Daniels, 60, was sentenced to life in prison in March of this year for his involvement in a double homicide that took place in December 2020 in Opa-locka. According to authorities, Daniels was part of a group that kidnapped three individuals from a truck yard. The victims were bound, tortured, and blindfolded with duct tape before being thrown into the back of a rented van.

They were subsequently taken to an abandoned house on 1801 Rutland Street, where two were executed by gunfire. Only one victim managed to survive. The prosecution argued that the motive behind the crime was drug theft, with Daniels playing a direct role in the kidnapping and execution. He was found guilty by a jury in 2024 and sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.

Despite this conviction and his dangerous profile, Daniels was released on Saturday night due to what the Miami-Dade Department of Corrections described as a "procedural error." The escape of such a dangerous convict has reignited the debate over prison security and prisoner transfer protocols. As the search efforts continue, James Daniels' case poses an urgent test for local institutions, both in their response capabilities and in maintaining public trust.