Pr. George's Police Seek Mistakenly Released Murder Suspect

Frederick Scott was given bond due to a "clerical error"

Prince George's Police are asking the public's help in tracking down a murder suspect who was mistakenly released on bail.

Frederick Scott, age 24, of Chillum was arrested and charged with first degree murder in the March 4 shooting death of 30-year-old Phillip Watson of Southeast.

After a two-month manhunt, Scott was arrested on May 5 in Las Vegas, Nevada and was subsequently extradited to Prince George's County to stand trial. He was initially remanded to the Department of Corrections and given no bond. However, due to what is being described merely as a "clerical error" made by the county courts, Scott was released after posting a $75,000 bond. 

A bench warrant was issued for Scott's arrest Friday. The judge who issued the bench warrant told News4's Darcy Spencer the $75,000 bond was approved for a defendant in another case, but some of that defendant's paper work got in to Scott's file.

The defendant's attorney said the cases were close in number, so the accidental switch is possible, Spencer reported.

"We're using you guys as far as the media and the public goes to put his picture out there," Cpl. Henry Tippett of Pr. George's County police said, "hoping that he sees this and has a conscience to realize that there was an error, to bring himself back in.  And also maybe if the public can help us locate him."

Scott is described as a black male standing at five feet, seven inches tall and weighing approximately 155 pounds. His whereabouts are unknown.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Prince George's County Police Department's Homicide Unit at (301) 772-4925. Anonymous callers can dial 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).

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