Benchwatch

People released from custody who were later charged with a violent crime

Each case names the judge or agency that made the release decision, the terms of release, and what happened next, with links to the news reports and court records it draws on.

Cases
25
Judges and agencies named
25
Median days from release to the new crime
94
Released byAll 25Judge 19ICE detainer declined 2Border Patrol 3Sanctuary policy 1

Cases

Newest first
No photo
Victim
Manvir Singh
Defendant
Murder in Lodi, California

Two teens, ages 16 and 20

May 19, 2026, 1069 days after release
Border Patrol releaseUndocumented
Prior arrests
0
Released June 15, 2023 by U.S. Border Patrol (Arizona sector)
Catch-and-release pending immigration court

Singh's Freightliner semi jackknifed and struck multiple vehicles on northbound Highway 99 near Lodi. The big rig slammed into a Kia Forte carrying two young men, ages 16 and 20, both killed. Five others were injured. Singh fled the scene on foot before being captured. He was charged with vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and hit-and-run resulting in death. ICE has lodged an immigration detainer.

Full caseFox NewsCBS Sacramento+2 sources
Jocelyn Nungaray
Victim
Franklin Jose Pena Ramos & Johan Jose Martinez-Rangel
Defendant
Murder in Houston, Texas

Jocelyn Nungaray, 12

June 17, 2024, 16 days after release
Border Patrol releaseAsylum pending
Prior arrests
2
Released June 1, 2024 by U.S. Border Patrol (El Paso sector)
Order of Recognizance with Notice to Appear

Jocelyn's body was found in a creek under a bridge in north Houston. Surveillance footage showed the two men walking with her for hours before the killing. Court documents allege she was tied up, her pants removed, and she was strangled. Both held on $10 million bond by Judge Josh Hill, who called the flight risk 'astronomical.'

Full caseABC13 HoustonFOX 26 Houston+1 sources
Rachel Morin
Victim
Victor Martinez-Hernandez
Defendant
Murder in Bel Air, Maryland

Rachel Morin, 37

August 5, 2023, 180 days after release
Border Patrol releaseUndocumented
Prior arrests
3
Released February 6, 2023 by U.S. Border Patrol (multiple encounters)
Title 42 removal (returned to Mexico, re-entered)

Morin was raped and beaten to death on the Ma & Pa trail. DNA linked the killer to the Los Angeles home invasion sexual assault months earlier. Martinez-Hernandez was captured in Tulsa OK in June 2024. Convicted April 2025 and sentenced to life without parole.

Full caseWikipediaCBS Baltimore+3 sources