Inmate accidentally released from jail

Monterey County Sheriff Department officials confirmed that a 36-year-old murder suspect was accidentally released from jail Thursday night.

The suspect, identified as Antonio Miranda Martinez, was booked into Monterey County Jail March 20 for the shooting death of 47-year-old Juan Pedraza. He was still awaiting trial.

The Sheriff’s Department said Martinez was released by mistake Thursday around 6:45 p.m. A Monterey County Sheriff team was out until 4 a.m. looking for Martinez.

Salinas Police tell NewsChannel 5 their units are actively looking for Martinez.

At last check, officials said they aren’t sure why Martinez was released, but it was not mistaken identity or an escape. They say Martinez was released under normal procedures in error.

Salinas Police say Martinez confronted Pedraza then opened fire on March 18th on Towt Street. Pedraza was hit several times and died at the scene despite police officers multiple attempts at CPR.

Police believe Pedraza was walking near his home when he was confronted.

Two days after the shooting officers, along with the Salinas Police Violence Suppression Unit and SWAT team, arrested Martinez when he was spotted on Kennedy St.

Officials tell NewsChannel 5 there is no extra security precautions in place at the jail, and no staff members are on leave.

News Channel 5 learned through court records that on Thursday morning prosecutors dismissed the original case against Martinez, and immediately re-filed the exact same charges in a new case. He was even re-arraigned on the homicide charges with a bail of $1.2 million.
Prosecutors said they needed more time to prepare for trial which was scheduled for Monday. However, both the dismissal and the new case was filed and heard by the judge at the same time so it is unclear what happened after Martinez left the courtroom.

Anyone with information on Martinez’s whereabouts is urged to call 9-1-1.