Convicted Killer Kathan Guzman Recaptured in Florida After Accidental Jail Release in Georgia—Victim’s Family Expresses Relief and Outrage

ATLANTA, GA – April 12, 2025 — After two weeks of tension, fear, and unanswered questions, 22-year-old Kathan Guzman, a convicted murderer who was mistakenly released from a Georgia jail, has been captured in Florida, authorities confirmed Friday. The U.S. Marshals Service announced the arrest, bringing an end to a high-stakes manhunt that spanned multiple states and left the family of his victim living in fear.

Guzman had been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after he admitted to killing his 19-year-old girlfriend, Delila Grayson, in August 2022. According to court records and law enforcement, Grayson was found dead in a bathtub, the victim of strangulation, in a Clayton County apartment.

Despite the severity of his crime, Guzman was accidentally released from the Clayton County Jail on March 27, a failure officials now blame on a clerical oversight. Jail staff reportedly did not fully read or process critical sentencing documentation, overlooking the fact that Guzman had been convicted of both murder and assault by strangulation—charges that should have guaranteed his continued detention and transfer to a state prison facility.

Sheriff Admits to “Inexcusable Error”

Clayton County Sheriff Levon Allen confirmed the details of the administrative blunder during an interview with WSB-TV, stating that disciplinary action is imminent.

“We are investigating how this happened and will take the necessary steps to hold those responsible accountable,” Allen said. “This was an inexcusable error, and we understand the impact it has had, especially on the victim’s family.”

He added that terminations are under consideration and emphasized that jail procedures are being reviewed to prevent such a mistake from ever happening again.

Two Weeks on the Run

Once authorities realized Guzman had been released in error, a coordinated multi-agency search began. The U.S. Marshals Service, working in conjunction with local law enforcement in Georgia and Florida, tracked Guzman across state lines.

He was located and arrested outside Orlando, not far from where Delila Grayson’s family now resides—heightening fears that he might attempt to retaliate against them for their involvement in the case. Officials have not released specific details on how he was captured but confirmed he was taken into custody without incident.

Victim’s Family Speaks Out

The Grayson family, who had been living in fear since learning of Guzman’s mistaken release, told reporters they were finally able to breathe a sigh of relief after his recapture.

“We’ve been terrified every minute of every day,” said Melissa Grayson, Delila’s mother. “Knowing the man who killed our daughter was walking free, possibly close by—it’s something no family should ever go through.”

The family also expressed outrage over the bureaucratic failure that led to the error, calling on Georgia officials to reform the jail system and ensure accountability.

“It’s not enough to say it was a mistake,” said Melissa. “This was a matter of life and death. If he had come for us, would they still be calling it a clerical error?”

What Happens Next

Guzman is currently being held in a secure facility in Florida, pending extradition back to Georgia. Law enforcement has indicated that he may face additional charges related to his escape, despite the release being unintentional.

Legal experts say there is a possibility of new charges, such as escape from custody or failure to comply with court orders, depending on what Guzman did during his time on the run and whether he violated any additional laws while free.

Meanwhile, the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office remains under intense scrutiny as the public and state officials demand transparency and systemic reform in the jail’s operational procedures.

A Tragic Reminder

The shocking error has reopened emotional wounds for those who knew Delila Grayson, a bright and loving young woman who, according to her family, had dreams of becoming a nurse. Her death in 2022 was a devastating blow to her community, and the ordeal of the past two weeks has only compounded the trauma.

“She was full of life, full of love,” said Delila’s aunt, Sharon McKinley. “This shouldn’t have happened once—and it definitely shouldn’t have happened again.”

As Guzman awaits return to Georgia to resume serving his life sentence, the community remains shaken, but grateful that no further violence occurred during his brief, but frightening, time on the outside.

 Further updates on Guzman’s extradition and the internal investigation at Clayton County Jail will be provided as new information emerges.