Murder suspect mistakenly released, sparks calls for better communication [Video]

Authorities were scrambling to find an accused murder suspect before he was rearrested on Thursday, Dec. 12.Alex Zapata, a four-time convicted felon and murder suspect, was on the loose after being released from the Lea County Detention Center. Despite a Curry County judge’s order to hold Zapata in custody until trial, a series of missteps led to his release.Zapata is the fifth case in New Mexico since July in which an alleged violent felon was mistakenly released.Stay up-to-date: The latest headlines from KOAT Action 7 NewsA Dangerous SuspectZapata was arrested in connection with a murder in Clovis, where a judge deemed him a danger to the community and ordered him held until trial. However, six weeks ago, Zapata was released following a ruling in Lea County related to separate charges.”Mr. Zapata is a previously convicted violent felony and represents a significant problem here with the violent crime problem in New …