NORTH TEXAS — Tydrick Davis, 21, was located in north Texas on June 26 after being mistakenly released from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). Davis is charged with capital murder.

Sheriff Zena Stephens stated that Davis was found following a mistaken release from the TDCJ. Davis had been sent to the Larry Gist State Jail on November 4 to serve a Jefferson County sentence for theft. His sentence for theft was one year and nine months. The 21-year-old was released on March 30 with credit for time served in the county jail.

The TDCJ stated that no detainers were placed on Davis to ensure his return to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office after serving his theft sentence. However, Sheriff Zena Stephens provided a copy of a detainer. This document, signed by both the Sheriff's Office and the TDCJ, had a box checked indicating Davis must be returned to Jefferson County upon release from state prison. Stephens stated the detainer itself was not dated, but the entire packet of information regarding Davis sent to the TDCJ was dated.

Prosecutors discovered Davis's release while making plans for his capital murder trial and inquired about his whereabouts. Ward 1 Councilman Cory Crenshaw stated he learned of the release at the courthouse.

Stephens said the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office would not have known Davis had completed his prior sentence unless the TDCJ had contacted them. She added that the TDCJ did not contact the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office regarding Davis's release. Law enforcement agencies initiated a search for Davis as soon as they became aware of his release, according to Stephens.

Davis is awaiting trial with two other suspects. They are accused of shooting and killing 39-year-old Ebonie Gilbert outside her Beaumont home in 2024.

Why It Matters

This event concerns the mistaken release of an individual facing capital murder charges, highlighting a breakdown in communication between state and local correctional authorities required to ensure a defendant's continued detention. The situation led to a search for the individual after prosecutors discovered his absence, impacting an ongoing capital murder case.