LENOIR, N.C. — A clerical error led to the release of a Lenoir man who was in jail awaiting trial in the death of his girlfirend, according to Lenoir Police.
Michael Whisnant, 37, was arrested without incident Friday at his father's home just a few hours after he was accidentally released from the Avery County Jail, said Police Chief Scott Brown. Brown said the release was a clerical error.
Whisnant was accused in April of killing his girlfriend, 38-year-old Tammy Lynn Benge. Her body was found in Whisnant's home, according to police.
In 2011, police arrested Whisnant on allegations of attacking Benge and he was charged with assault with a deadly weapon.
Police said Whisnant was required to wear an ankle bracelet after making bond for the 2011 incident. As part of his release, officers said he was not supposed to be around Benge.
Man accused of killing girlfriend accidentally released from jail
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