Early Friday morning brought alarming news out of New Orleans — ten violent inmates managed to break free from Orleans Parish Jail.
The discovery came during a routine head count around 8:30 AM, when officials realized these prisoners were nowhere to be found.
One of them has been caught, but nine others are still on the run, sparking a massive manhunt across the city.
How They Got Out: A Bold and Calculated Escape
Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson shared details about the escape, explaining that the inmates got out by breaking through a wall behind a toilet in their cell.
Authorities believe the breakout happened just after midnight, and it’s suspected that the inmates had help from someone inside the jail.
Hutson stated, “We have indication that these detainees received assistance in their escape from individuals inside of our department.”
Once through the wall, the inmates climbed over another barrier and even crossed a nearby interstate highway to make their getaway, showing clear planning and determination.
Who Are the Escapees?
The ten men who fled have all been identified.
Their names are Corey Boyd, Dkenan Dennis, Jermaine Donald, Derrick Groves, Antoine Massey, Robert Moody, Kendell Myles, Gary Price, Leo Tate, and Lenton Vanburen.
These are no ordinary prisoners; many are facing serious charges, including violent crimes, making this escape particularly dangerous for the public.
One Captured, Nine Still Free
So far, only 20-year-old Kendell Myles has been recaptured.
Police found him in the French Quarter of New Orleans just hours after the escape.
Troopers chased him on foot and cornered him hiding under a car in a parking garage near the Hotel Monteleone.
He was quietly taken back into custody without incident.
Myles had previously been charged with attempted second-degree murder and now faces additional charges for escaping jail.
The hunt continues for the other nine inmates, who are believed to still be somewhere in the city.
Authorities on High Alert
Sheriff Hutson and law enforcement officials are pulling out all the stops.
Local police, state troopers, the FBI, U.S. Marshals, and Louisiana State Police are all working together to track down the fugitives.
The public is strongly warned not to approach anyone who looks suspicious or matches the descriptions of the escapees.
“We are actively working with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in a full-scale search operation,” Hutson said, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
Investigating How This Happened
Beyond the manhunt, the Sheriff’s Office has launched an internal investigation to figure out how this escape was even possible.
This includes a thorough review of jail security, staff actions, and procedures to ensure such a breach never happens again.
“Any lapses or failures that contributed to this incident will be addressed swiftly and with full accountability,” Hutson assured the public.
Criticism and Calls for Accountability
The escape has drawn harsh criticism from top officials who are demanding answers, especially about why the public wasn’t immediately informed when the breakout was discovered.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill didn’t hold back, saying on social media, “Someone clearly dropped the ball, and there’s no excuse for this. This is beyond unacceptable.”
She added that there must be real accountability once the inmates are back in custody.
Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams called the escape “an unprecedented failure” and announced plans to convene a grand jury to investigate who might have been involved.
Williams expressed concern for witnesses who came forward in related cases, warning the situation has become “very dangerous” because of poor leadership and a lack of transparency.
Law Enforcement Warns Helpers to Stay Away
Major Silas Phipps Jr., who leads the sheriff’s investigative bureau, reminded the public that anyone caught helping the fugitives will be prosecuted just as severely.
“If we identify you and can prove you are assisting them, we will prosecute you along with them to the fullest extent of the law,” he said.
Protecting the Community and Victims
New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said that some victims related to the escapees — many facing charges like murder or aggravated assault — have already been notified for their safety.
The police also relocated one family to a safer place as a precaution.
The authorities have emphasized that it’s unlikely the escapees are still wearing their prison jumpsuits, so people should stay alert and cautious.
What’s Next?
With nine dangerous inmates still on the loose in New Orleans, the city remains on edge.
Law enforcement agencies continue their search, combing through neighborhoods and tracking every lead.
The investigation into how this breach happened will unfold in the coming days, but for now, the top priority is making sure the community stays safe and these fugitives are found as quickly as possible.