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LA Supes offer $20K reward for info on Pasadena murder suspect mistakenly released by LASD
Authorities are still asking for the public’s help in finding a murder suspect who was mistakenly released on Saturday. A $20,000 reward is being offered by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors for information leading to the missing inmate's recapture, Sheriff's Department Commander Keith Swensson told KPCC.
Steven Lawrence Wright, 37, was discharged from the department's inmate reception center Saturday at 12:55 p.m., the department said in a Facebook post.
“We’ve had a lot of help from the public,” Swensson said. “We’ve been getting several tips and calls from people that have led us to several locations that we’re following up on.”
Wright was being held on murder charges — as well as on a five-day contempt of court issued on Jan. 26. He was accidentally released on the contempt-of-court charges once the five days was up.
Wright had been arrested in Pasadena in April 2011 for a gang-related murder that took place in January of that year.
“He should be considered armed and dangerous,” said Swensson.
The Sheriff’s Department has leads but is not sharing them at the moment. Swensson said the Major Crimes bureau is working full-time on the search until they capture Wright.
“We believe the suspect is still in L.A. County and are hoping to have him back in custody as soon as possible,” said Swensson.
The department is asking anyone with information to call 911 or their Major Crimes Bureau at (562) 946-7231. You can also leave information anonymously by calling "Crime Stoppers" at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).
This story has been updated.