ORLANDO, Florida – A convicted murderer was released from prison in Georgia by mistake. The victim’s family, which has ties to Central Florida, is distraught and scared.
‘He is quick-tempered, and he will kill’
Kathan Guzman, a convicted killer serving a life sentence for strangling his girlfriend, was wrongfully released from a Georgia prison.
Corrections officials said the release was due to a paperwork error. Guzman has known ties to Central Florida, where the victim’s mother now lives. Law enforcement has issued a warning, advising the public not to approach Guzman if seen, but to contact authorities immediately.
The victim’s family, which has ties to Central Florida, is stunned and terrified as authorities attempt to locate Guzman.
What we don’t know: Officials have not revealed the specifics of the paperwork error that resulted in Guzman’s release, or how long he was free before the error was discovered. It is unclear where Guzman is going or if he has made contact with anyone since his release. Authorities have also not confirmed whether internal disciplinary action is being taken against the employees involved in the error.
The backstory: Kathan Guzmán was arrested in August 2022. He faced charges of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, and necrophilia.
Police in Clayton County, Georgia, accused Guzman of strangling his ex-girlfriend, Delila Grayson, 19. Grayson was discovered dead in a bathtub at a Webb Road home.
In October of last year, Guzman was found guilty of felony murder and sentenced to life in prison.
According to the Clayton County District Attorney’s Office, Guzman was accidentally released from the Clayton County Jail on March 27th.
Big picture view: The mistaken release has raised serious concerns about breakdowns in the corrections system, not to mention the trauma that the victim’s family is still experiencing.
What they’re saying: “He seems to be the guy next door. He appears smaller and calmer, but he has a quick temper. Delila’s mother, Christina Grayson, described Guzman as an MMA fighter. “He rages. He has a quick temper and will kill.
Grayson claimed that authorities in Georgia promised her that Guzman would never be released from jail.
“They looked me in the face and promised me he would never leave. I didn’t have anything to worry about. And he’s free.
She continued, “There is no explanation. To be honest, it appears to be a big runaround.
Bob Fisher, a criminal defense lawyer, said that if he lived in Clayton County, Georgia, he would be concerned.
“I think the sheriff himself should be concerned,” observed Fisher. “I’m surprised by the technology available today! This is an extremely rare occurrence.
Fisher stated that it may come down to training.
“The sheriff whose department made the mistake, by his own admission, recognizes he’s going to have to do some better training of the people who work for him within his department.”
The Clayton County District Attorney’s Office issued a formal statement on Thursday.
“My office charged Kathan Guzman with the murder of Ms. Delia Grayson. On October 25, 2024, the trial jury returned a guilty verdict for felony murder. The same day, the trial judge sentenced Guzman to life in prison with the possibility of parole.
“On April 8, 2025, around noon, the Georgia Office of Victim Services notified my office’s Victim Assistance Unit that they were unable to locate Guzman in Georgia’s penal system. My office checked the Clayton County Jail system, which indicated that Guzman had been released.
My Victim Assistance Program Manager immediately notified the Sheriff and me. We contacted the victim’s mother after the Sherriff’s Office confirmed the erroneous release and have continued to communicate with her.
“While the District Attorney’s Office is not responsible for inmate management or transportation, we have been informed that every available resource is searching for Guzman. It is my sincere hope that Guzman is quickly apprehended and serves the remainder of his life sentence.
“Questions about Kathan Guzman’s release or search should be directed to the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office.”
