News Summary
Authorities are actively searching for the remaining escapees from the Orleans Parish jail, following the recapture of three out of ten inmates who fled. The escape has raised serious concerns about security protocols at the facility. Efforts to locate the two fugitives include significant rewards for information that leads to their capture. Meanwhile, several individuals have been indicted for aiding the escape, and an investigation into the involvement of jail staff is underway, amplifying community concerns over public safety.
New Orleans, Louisiana – A manhunt for the escapees from the Orleans Parish jail continues, as authorities have successfully recaptured three of the ten inmates who fled on May 16. The Louisiana State Police announced on Monday that Lenton Vanburen, aged 26, Leo Tate, aged 31, and Jermaine Donald, aged 42, have been apprehended. Vanburen was arrested in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, while Tate and Donald were caught in Walker County, Texas, after a high-speed chase.
All three inmates now face additional charges related to their escape from the jail. The situation has raised concerns within the local community and further scrutiny of the sheriff’s office following the incident.
Efforts to track down the remaining fugitives—Antoine Massey, aged 32, and Derrick Groves, aged 27—continue vigorously, drawing significant attention from law enforcement agencies. Both men are suspected of serious violent crimes prior to their escape. Authorities have set up rewards totaling up to $20,000 for information leading to their capture, emphasizing the urgency of locating them.
In relation to the escape, law enforcement has taken action against at least 13 individuals accused of aiding the inmates. On the same day as the recapture announcement, six accomplices, identified as Diamond White (21), Lenika Vanburen (28), Tyshanea Randolph (27), Patricia Vanburen (18), Angel McKay (41), and Lenton Vanburen Sr. (48), were indicted. They face charges that include principal to aggravated escape, obstruction of justice, and accessory after the fact.
In an unusual development, Trevon Williams, a non-escaping inmate, has also been charged as a principal to simple escape, raising questions about the dynamics within the jail at the time of the breach. Additionally, Sterling Williams, a jail maintenance worker, has been implicated in the scheme for allegedly aiding the escape by disabling water access to the inmates’ cell, enabling them to tear out a bathroom fixture and create a hole through which they fled.
Officials suspect that the escape may have been assisted by insiders, pointing to significant lapses in security protocols at the Orleans Parish jail. An investigation is currently underway to determine the extent of these failures and the possible involvement of jail staff. Concerns over the safety of both jail personnel and community members have been voiced by local authorities, including the Orleans Parish District Attorney.
The incident has caused heightened anxiety in New Orleans, with many residents voicing their concerns over the security of the jail and the management of inmates. The jailbreak has spotlighted flaws in the local criminal justice system, particularly regarding the supervision and management of inmates, which has drawn criticism from various state leaders, including Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry.
As of now, the situation remains fluid, and authorities are committed to ensuring the recovery of the remaining escapees while working diligently to hold those involved in facilitating the jailbreak accountable. The actions taken in the days following the escape reflect a concerted effort to restore order and safety within the community.
The public is encouraged to remain vigilant and report any tips or sightings of the two remaining inmates as the search continues across the region.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Fox News: Sixth Fugitive from New Orleans Jailbreak Captured
- USA Today: New Orleans Prison Escape Inmates’ Arrests Updates
- BBC: New Orleans Jail Escape Coverage
- NBC News: New Orleans Jail Escape Raises Security Concerns
- The New York Times: Coverage of New Orleans Jail Escape
- Wikipedia: New Orleans
- Google Search: New Orleans Jail Escape
- Google Scholar: New Orleans Jail Escape
- Encyclopedia Britannica: New Orleans
- Google News: New Orleans Jail Escape
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
