The target of a two-week manhunt in the South Valley was released from jail last year – due to lack of inmate bed space.
Benjamin Peter Ashley was released October 20th because of federal orders that set a limit on inmates at the local jail.
Officials are offering a $10,000 reward for Ashley, who they believe killed a retiree, took three people hostage at gunpoint in a cabin, on July 28th and wounded deputies.
The 34-year-old suspect is believed to be hiding somewhere in remote terrain, 30 miles east of Bakersfield.
The manhunt has entered its third week with as many as 150 officers working on the case.
The search is focused in a rural 5-square-mile area near Weldon in Eastern Kern County.
