BREAKING IN CUSTODY: Murder Trial Detainee Mistakenly Released

Brian Smith, 49, is described as 5’7” and weighs 130 pounds. He has grey hair and blue eyes.

Update: (8:08 a.m. 7.27.18)

Hawaiʻi Island Prosecutors office has confirmed that Brian Smith is in Hawaiʻi Police custody.

He is awaiting trial on Murder 1 and 2, as well as firearms charges including Ownership or Possession of a Firearm, and Carrying a Firearm in the Commission of a Separate Felony.

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The search continues today for a murder defendant who was mistakenly released from the Hawaiʻi Community Correctional Center on Tuesday.

Authorities didn’t realize the man was missing until Thursday when he failed to show for a scheduled court appearance.

Brian Smith was a pre-trail detainee, awaiting trial on first and second degree Murder, as well as firearms charges. He was supposed to be detained on $1.15 million bail when the erroneous release occurred. A bench warrant has since been issued in the amount of $2 million.

Governor David Ige said he is “deeply concerned” and “upset” over the erroneous release and said the number one priority right now is public safety and getting the suspect into custody.

Residents of Hawaiʻi Island are advised to remain alert and call 911 if they see or hear something that could help. As is standard operating procedure, the department is investigating to determine what led to the error.

Smith is described as 49-years-old, 5’7” tall and weighs 130 pounds. He has grey hair and blue eyes.