News Summary
Two inmates who escaped from the Orleans Justice Center have been extradited back to Louisiana after their capture in Texas. Leo Tate and Jermaine Donald were flown back following a high-speed chase that led to their apprehension. They face multiple charges, including aggravated escape and parole violations. The jailbreak involved ten inmates, eight of whom have been recaptured, while the manhunt continues for two remaining fugitives. The incident has raised concerns about the security and conditions at the Orleans Parish Jail.
New Orleans – Two inmates who escaped from the Orleans Justice Center in May have been extradited back to Louisiana. Leo Tate and Jermaine Donald were flown from Texas on Friday and are now in a secure correctional facility. Their capture follows a high-speed chase in Walker County, Texas, on May 26, where law enforcement used body camera footage to surround and apprehend them without incident.
In a recent court appearance, Tate appeared in shackles and expressed his intention to hire a private attorney. Meanwhile, Donald, who requested a court-appointed lawyer, faces multiple charges, including aggravated escape and parole violation in Louisiana, as well as evading arrest in Texas. As of now, Tate is being held without bond.
The pair’s arrest comes in the wake of a jailbreak involving a total of ten inmates, of whom eight have been recaptured. However, two fugitives, Derrick Groves and Antoine Massey, remain at large. To aid in their capture, law enforcement has increased the reward for information leading to the apprehension of each of the remaining fugitives to $50,000.
The jailbreak occurred on May 16 when inmates cut a hole behind a toilet in the facility. This breach went undetected until around 8:30 a.m., despite surveillance footage indicating that the escape began shortly after midnight. At the time, one-third of the jail’s security cameras were non-operational, and no deputies were assigned to monitor the area where the escape took place.
Investigations into the escape have revealed a network of individuals who allegedly assisted the inmates. At least 14 accomplices provided food, cash, and transportation to the escapees, with some communicating through internet phone services while evading capture. Among those charged in connection with the escape is Connie Weeden, 59, who allegedly sent Donald money through a phone application after his flight.
In light of the jailbreak and subsequent investigations, scrutiny is increasing regarding the conditions and security of the Orleans Parish Jail. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill stated that the escapees initially found refuge within New Orleans before moving to Texas as they fled from law enforcement. The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office has acknowledged ongoing plumbing issues at the jail, which have contributed to poor living conditions for remaining inmates.
In response to the jailbreak, Sheriff Susan Hutson has taken full responsibility and announced the temporary suspension of her reelection campaign to focus on enhancing security and ensuring public safety. The aggressive response by law enforcement and the acknowledgment of institutional failures reflect the seriousness of the situation and the efforts being made to address underlying issues within the jail system.
As the manhunt for Groves and Massey continues, authorities remain vigilant, emphasizing community awareness and urging anyone with information to come forward. The investigation remains active, aiming to close the chapter on this significant security breach while addressing the concerns raised about the operational safety of the Orleans Justice Center.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Two Escapees from Orleans Justice Center Recaptured in Texas
Two Inmates Captured After New Orleans Jail Escape
Intensified Manhunt for Orleans Parish Jail Escapees
Increase in Reward for Escapees from New Orleans Jail
New Orleans Hosts Weekend Extravaganza with Multiple Events
Increased Reward Offered for Escaped Inmates in New Orleans
Escaped Inmates in New Orleans: Urgent Manhunt Ongoing
Reward Offered for Capture of Escaped Inmates in New Orleans
New Orleans Woman Arrested in Jailbreak of Ten Inmates
Mass Jailbreak in New Orleans Sparks Manhunt for Escapees
Additional Resources
- WBRZ
- Wikipedia: New Orleans
- WDSU
- Google Search: New Orleans jail escape
- ABC News
- Google Scholar: New Orleans prison escape
- CBS News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Orleans Parish Jail
- Fox News
- Google News: New Orleans jailbreak
