PORTLAND, Ore. – Multnomah County officials have confirmed that a man accused of killing a Gresham teenager was mistakenly released from jail earlier this week, sparking outrage from the victim’s family and raising questions about how such an error could occur.
Who Is the Suspect?
The man, identified as 26-year-old Ty Anthony Sage, is charged with second-degree murder in connection with the 2021 shooting death of 15-year-old Lowgunn Ivey in Gresham. He also faces a first-degree robbery charge.
Sage was originally arrested in Coos County in May 2025 and transferred to Multnomah County to face prosecution. Until this week, he was being held without bail after a court hearing on September 17.
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The Erroneous Release
On Monday, Sage was “erroneously released” from the Multnomah County Detention Center (MCDC). Deputy District Attorney Maddie Loeb confirmed the mistake in a statement:
“We just learned that this murder defendant was erroneously released. He was held without bail by the court after a hearing on 9/17. We are working with the court and the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office to get this defendant back into custody as quickly as possible.”
The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) also acknowledged the mistake, saying their employees acted “in good faith” based on court documents available at the time.
How Did It Happen?
According to MCSO communications director Brent Weisberg, the issue stemmed from a court release order signed September 17. That order incorrectly indicated that Sage’s bail had been set at $5,000, despite the judge’s ruling that he should be held without bail.
Weisberg explained that staff sought clarification from the judiciary but ultimately processed Sage’s release under the assumption that bail had been lawfully posted.
“The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office recognizes that we hold the ultimate responsibility for a person’s release from custody,” Weisberg said. “In this case, the defendant should not have been able to post bail. We are committed to conducting a review of the incident to fully understand what occurred and to identify improvements in our communications with the Court.”
Victim’s Family Outraged
For the family of victim Lowgunn Ivey, the release reopened painful wounds. His mother, Jodie Ramsey, said she was shocked and furious when she learned of the error.
“I couldn’t see straight. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing,” Ramsey told KOIN 6 News. “I’m so mad and I’m sick to my stomach with it. I hope you guys catch him quick. That’s all I can say—I really hope he gets caught again.”
Ivey was shot and killed on December 4, 2021, a crime that devastated his family and community. Seeing the accused killer walk free, even temporarily, has deepened their grief.
The Search for Sage
Law enforcement agencies across Oregon are now working to track down Sage. Authorities are urging the public to stay alert and to immediately call 911 if they see him or know of his whereabouts.
Officials have not said whether Sage is considered dangerous to the general public, but given the severity of the charges, his release is being treated as a high-risk situation.
Accountability and Next Steps
The Sheriff’s Office has pledged a full internal review of the incident. Weisberg emphasized that procedures will be reexamined to ensure such mistakes are not repeated, particularly in cases involving violent felony suspects.
The District Attorney’s Office is also collaborating with the courts and the Sheriff’s Office to determine exactly where the breakdown occurred.
This is not the first time that jail release errors have raised concerns nationally, but it is among the most serious in Oregon in recent years because it involves a defendant charged with murder.
Community Reaction
The case has stirred outrage in Multnomah County, where trust in the criminal justice system has already been tested by high-profile violent crimes. Residents have expressed frustration online, questioning how such a critical miscommunication could slip through safeguards.
Victim advocates say the situation underscores the importance of accurate record-keeping and coordination between courts, prosecutors, and jail staff. For families like Ramsey’s, however, those assurances bring little comfort until Sage is back behind bars.
Conclusion
As of Tuesday evening, Ty Anthony Sage remains at large after being mistakenly released from Multnomah County custody. Authorities are working urgently to recapture him while also reviewing the systemic failure that allowed the error to occur.
For the family of Lowgunn Ivey, the pain of loss has been compounded by the mistake, and the community is left waiting for both accountability and justice.
Anyone with information is urged to contact law enforcement immediately.
