News Summary
A manhunt is ongoing for seven inmates who recently escaped from the Orleans Justice Center, raising public safety concerns. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has increased the reward for information leading to their capture to $20,000 per fugitive. The escaped inmates include violent offenders facing serious charges, prompting investigations into how the jailbreak occurred. Authorities are urging the community to remain vigilant as a multi-agency task force collaborates to recapture the fugitives.
New Orleans – A statewide manhunt is in full swing for seven inmates who escaped from the Orleans Justice Center on Friday. The escape has raised heightened concerns regarding public safety and prompted an urgent response from state officials, including an increased reward for information leading to their capture.
On Sunday, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry announced that the reward for information about each of the fugitives has risen to $20,000. This increase is part of a collaborative effort involving Crime Stoppers and private donations from both the governor and State Senate President Cameron Henry. In addition, the FBI has doubled its reward from $5,000 to $10,000 per fugitive.
The escapees include violent offenders charged with serious crimes. Derrick Groves is facing sentencing after a guilty plea for manslaughter, while Gary Price is charged with attempted first-degree murder and domestic abuse. Lenton VanBuren, Jermaine Donald, and Corey Boyd are all charged with second-degree murder. Other escapees include Antoine Massey, who has domestic abuse charges against him, and Leo Tate, a felon previously convicted in federal court for firearm possession.
Reports indicate that five of the escapees had additional charges in custody, including battery on a correctional officer, possession of contraband, and obscenity. Governor Landry has underscored the need to swiftly recapture these individuals, labeling them as dangerous offenders.
In response to the jailbreak, several investigations and executive actions have been set in motion. The Louisiana Attorney General is leading an inquiry into how the escape transpired and identifying responsible parties. Concurrently, the Department of Corrections is conducting an audit to determine the facility’s compliance with required correctional standards.
Details surrounding the escape reveal that the inmates exploited broken locks and evacuated the facility through a makeshift hole created behind a toilet and sink. There was also a significant delay in notifying the public about the escape, as a headcount at 8:30 a.m. confirmed the presence of 10 missing inmates.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has urged residents to remain alert and assured them that the city continues to operate normally, despite the chaos of the jailbreak. Authorities believe the absconded inmates may be receiving assistance from individuals outside the jail.
A multi-agency task force, collaborating with the FBI, U.S. Marshals, and local law enforcement, is actively involved in the search for the escapees. Authorities have been leveraging tips from the public, which has proven effective in the recapture of three inmates, who were arrested based on community information. Surveillance footage has captured the escapees traversing the French Quarter shortly after their breakout.
Further investigations have found a note reading “To Easy Lol” inscribed on the wall surrounding the escape hole, suggesting prior planning. Subsequently, three jail staff members have been placed on leave without pay pending an ongoing investigation into the incident.
Governor Landry has attributed the escape to issues within the state’s criminal justice system, labeling it a result of “progressive” policies. He has called for an extensive audit of the sheriff’s office to ensure the problems that allowed for the escape are addressed. This incident is being characterized as one of the most significant jailbreaks in Louisiana’s history, highlighting serious concerns about security measures within the justice system.
As the manhunt continues, authorities remain committed to apprehending the remaining fugitives and restoring safety to the community.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WDSU: New Orleans Jail Inmate Escape
- Wikipedia: Orleans Justice Center
- NBC News: Authorities Express Confidence in Finding Escaped Inmates
- Google Search: New Orleans inmate escape
- CNN: New Orleans Louisiana Inmates Escape
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jail
- WWLTV: New Orleans Jail Escape
- Google News: Louisiana inmate escape
- Fox 8 Live: Louisiana State Police Transport Recaptured Inmates
- Google Scholar: New Orleans jail escape
- USA Today: 7 Inmates at Large After New Orleans Jail Escape
