Authorities are conducting a manhunt across Georgia and Florida for Kathan Guzman, a convicted murderer who was erroneously released from a county jail located south of Atlanta. The incident has raised significant safety concerns, particularly among the victim’s family.

Background on the Case

Kathan Guzman, in his early twenties, was convicted for the murder of his girlfriend, 19-year-old Delila Grayson. Grayson was discovered deceased in a bathtub in August 2022. Guzman had previously admitted to strangling her, a crime that culminated in a life sentence for both murder and assault by strangulation.

Details of the Release

Approximately two weeks ago, jail staff at Clayton County made a critical error, leading to Guzman’s release. According to Clayton County Sheriff Levon Allen, the mistake stemmed from a failure to properly review necessary documentation, resulting in Guzman being freed without recognizing his serious criminal history.

In the aftermath of his release, Guzman reportedly claimed, “God is good,” suggesting that he viewed the situation as a fortuitous outcome orchestrated by a higher power.

Community Response and Safety Measures

The family of Delila Grayson is particularly distressed by the situation. Christina Grayson, Delila’s mother, expressed profound fear for her family’s safety, as she believes Guzman could retaliate against them for their involvement in the trial proceedings. In response to the heightened threat, her family has resorted to sleeping in shifts to ensure someone is always awake.

Local authorities in Osceola County, Florida, where Guzman’s whereabouts are believed to have shifted, are proactively patrolling neighborhoods and have maintained communication with Georgia law enforcement. “Our primary goal remains the safety of our community,” stated a representative from the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.

Conclusion

The search for Guzman continues, emphasizing the urgency of ensuring public safety and holding accountable those responsible for his release. As the investigation unfolds, law enforcement agencies are working diligently to prevent any potential harm to the Grayson family or the surrounding community.