Technical glitch results in convicted killer's accidental release from Louisiana prison

A convicted killer serving a 40-year prison sentence was released from the Dixon Correctional Institute in Louisiana last week due to a technical error.

Authorities are now searching for Benjuiel Johnson, 32, who pleaded guilty to manslaughter and illegal possession of a firearm in 2013. Johnson was released on Sept. 23, WAFB reports, and officials didn't realize the mistake until Monday, the Louisiana Department of Corrections said Tuesday. Officials say its system showed that Johnson was supposed to be released on good behavior for earlier charges, and the manslaughter conviction did not show up on his rap sheet. After being released from Dixon, Johnson was transferred to the East Feliciana Parish detention center, where he was processed for an earlier battery charge, then posted a $10,000 bond and was free to go.

A spokeswoman for the Louisiana Department of Corrections said those responsible for Johnson's release will face disciplinary action. "He's a dangerous person, but we're going to get him, we're going to catch him," special prosecutor Tony Clayton said. "If he's a smart man, which he probably isn't, he should probably turn himself in and if not — we're going to use every resource available to take him off the streets."

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up