Murder Suspect Mistakenly Released from Maryland Prison

Frederick L. Scott, a suspect awaiting trial for the murder of Philip Watson, 30, in Prince George's County, Md., was mistakenly released from jail this month. Police are now looking to the public to help track him down.

Scott, 24, of Chillum, was arrested on May 5, along with a second, unidentified man, in connection to the shooting death of Watson, of Southeast Washington. The victim was found March 4, a few blocks from the Surf Club, with gunshot wounds. Investigations suggested that he was shot after a fight. The Surf Club, which had something of a reputation for attracting a rowdy crowd, held its last live music performance on Oct. 26 and is now closed.

Scott was arrested in Las Vegas two months after the shooting and extradited to Maryland, where he was to be held without bond. The police said that because of a clerical error, Scott posted bond and was released. Specifically, he posted a $75,000 property bond.

It took eight days for the court to realize its error and issue a take-back warrant. Police are now actively searching for Scott and enlisting the help of locals. Anyone with information about the case or leads on Scott's location is urged to call the Prince George's Police County Homicide Unit.

Police described Scott, of 1900, Oliver Street, as a black male, 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing about 155 pounds.