Convicted Double-Murderer James Daniels Escapes Miami-Dade Jail After Procedural Error

James Edward Daniels, a 60-year-old man sentenced to life in prison for a brutal double murder committed in 2020 in Opa-Locka, Florida, was mistakenly released from the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on September 27, 2025, due to a procedural error. Daniels was convicted for his role in the kidnapping, torture, and murder of two men, Osmar Olivia and Johan Gonzalez Quesada, and the attack left one survivor. The Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department is conducting a full internal affairs investigation into how Daniels was allowed to leave the prison and is working with local and federal law enforcement, including the FBI and U.S. Marshals, to ensure his swift apprehension and safe return to custody. Authorities have issued warnings that Daniels should be considered armed and dangerous, and a $5,000 reward has been offered for information leading to his capture. The Marshals Service was only notified a day after Daniels' release, prompting urgent efforts across multiple agencies to locate him. Public tips are being solicited by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office and Crime Stoppers to aid in his capture.