A man serving a life sentence in federal prison for a brutal double-murder is on the run after being mistakenly released from a Miami-Dade jail, authorities confirmed.
Miami-Dade Corrections said 60-year-old James Edward Daniels was freed Saturday from the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center because of a procedural error now under internal affairs investigation.
Daniels was convicted last year of kidnapping three men from an Opa-locka truck yard in 2020. Investigators said the victims were bound and tortured during the attack, which left two dead and one survivor. He was sentenced to life in federal prison earlier this year.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office issued a flyer Monday warning Daniels should be considered armed and dangerous. Deputies are working alongside federal agents to locate him. A $5,000 reward is being offered for tips leading to his capture.
Anyone with information is asked to call M-DCSO Homicide Detective C. Santos at 305-471-2400 or Miami-Dade County Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477.
Miami-Dade Corrections’ complete statement reads:
“The Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department is committed to the highest standards of public safety, transparency, and accountability.
On Saturday, September 27, 2025, Inmate James Daniels, 60, was released from the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center due to a procedural error. The top priority of MDCR is to ensure his swift apprehension and safe return to custody. All available resources are being utilized, including the assistance of our local and federal law enforcement partners.
A full internal affairs investigation is underway to review the circumstances surrounding this incident and any potential failures to follow departmental policy. MDCR is committed to ensuring that those responsible for failing to follow policy are held accountable to the fullest extent possible.
Due to the ongoing nature of this investigation, no further details are available at this time.”
