PORTLAND, Oregon — A tense manhunt is underway across Oregon for Ty Anthony Sage, a 26-year-old murder suspect who was mistakenly released from the Multnomah County Detention Center on September 22, 2025. The error occurred despite explicit court orders to hold Sage in custody without bail, a lapse in protocol that Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell has deemed “unacceptable” and is now under internal review. This alarming development has ignited a statewide search and raised significant concerns about the justice system’s procedures.
Manhunt Launched After Release Error
Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office officials confirmed that Sage, who was facing charges of second-degree murder and first-degree robbery in connection with the death of 15-year-old Lowgunn Ivey, was released on Monday, September 22. The release was based on an order signed on September 17 that erroneously indicated bail had been set at $5,000, according to Sheriff Morrisey O’Donnell. However, court documents clearly show that Judge Bryan Francesconi had denied Sage’s release and ordered him held without bail following a hearing on September 17. The sheriff’s office has acknowledged its ultimate responsibility for individuals in its custody and is conducting a thorough review to understand precisely how the discrepancy between the court’s order and the release paperwork occurred. Law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon have been mobilized in the search for Sage, and the public is strongly urged to report any sightings or information regarding his whereabouts to the authorities immediately.
The Crime That Led to Sage’s Arrest
The case against Ty Anthony Sage dates back to December 4, 2021, when Gresham police responded to a shooting at the Columbia Trails Apartment Complex. The incident resulted in the death of Lowgunn Ivey, a 15-year-old, and injuries to two others: a 23-year-old man and a 14-year-old boy. According to court documents and interviews with detectives, the violence allegedly stemmed from a planned robbery. Sage, along with a co-defendant, Kevin Rivas-Ramirez, was accused of planning to buy firearms and cocaine from Ivey. Prosecutors presented evidence, including text messages, detailing the planned transaction. During an interview, Sage reportedly told police he initially intended to rob Ivey but later claimed he changed his mind, stating, “because they were ‘just kids.'” However, an altercation reportedly ensued after Sage questioned the quality of the cocaine, culminating in Rivas-Ramirez allegedly firing the fatal shots. Sage was arrested in May 2025, years after the incident, and booked into the Multnomah County jail on charges of second-degree murder and first-degree robbery. Rivas-Ramirez also remains in custody.
Unpacking the Release Error
Multnomah County officials are working to pinpoint the exact procedural breakdown that led to Sage’s erroneous release. While jail staff are stated to have acted in “good faith” based on the information available at the time, a spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office, Brent Weisberg, confirmed that jailers later sought clarification on the judge’s order. The conflicting information appears to stem from a bail order that, while denying release, also mentioned a previous bail amount of $5,000. It is believed that this dual nature of the order may have been misinterpreted, or that an incorrect form was utilized, leading to Sage’s release upon posting a $5,000 bail, which should have been $0 given the denial of bail. The district attorney’s office confirmed they are working closely with the sheriff’s office to expedite Sage’s return to custody.
Community and Family Impact
The mistaken release has sent shockwaves through the community, particularly for the victim’s family. Jodie Ramsey, Lowgunn Ivey’s mother, has expressed profound distress and fear following the news of Sage’s release. She stated that she is “on complete edge all the time now,” reliving the trauma of her son’s death. Sheriff Morrisey O’Donnell has personally spoken with Ivey’s family to express remorse and acknowledge the failure to protect their sense of justice. The sheriff emphasized that public safety remains the top priority and that steps are being taken to review and improve communication protocols between the courts and the sheriff’s office to prevent future incidents.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Appeal
The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office is collaborating with numerous law enforcement partners across the state to locate Ty Anthony Sage. Officials have not disclosed specific details about the resources being deployed or the areas being searched, citing operational security. Sheriff Morrisey O’Donnell has directly appealed to Sage, urging him to surrender peacefully to authorities. As the manhunt continues, any information regarding Sage’s whereabouts is critical and should be reported immediately to 9-1-1. The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office is committed to a comprehensive review of the incident to restore community trust. This news serves as a stark reminder of the complex and sensitive nature of the criminal justice system in Oregon and the ongoing efforts to ensure accountability.
