News Summary
A manhunt is in progress for seven inmates who escaped from the Orleans Justice Center, deemed one of Louisiana’s largest jailbreaks. The FBI has raised the reward to $10,000 per fugitive, as authorities intensify efforts, raising public safety concerns. Multiple law enforcement agencies are involved, though many inmates are still at large following an escape facilitated by security failures. The ongoing investigation has led to the suspension of jail staff amidst concerns of internal assistance behind the breakout.
New Orleans – A significant manhunt is currently underway for seven escaped inmates from the Orleans Justice Center, following a jailbreak that occurred early Friday morning, May 16, 2025. This escape is being regarded as potentially the largest in Louisiana’s history, prompting an intensified response from authorities.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has increased the reward to $10,000 for each of the escapees, raising it from a previous amount of $5,000. In addition to the FBI’s offer, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has pledged $5,000, and CrimeStoppers is providing a $2,000 reward. The increased incentives aim to encourage the public to assist law enforcement in locating the fugitives.
During a routine headcount at approximately 8:30 a.m. Friday, officials discovered that seven of the ten escapees were missing from their cells. It is believed that these inmates managed to flee through a hole behind a toilet in their cell, an escape route confirmed by video surveillance footage. This escape occurred less than two miles from the bustling French Quarter, a popular tourist area in New Orleans.
The Louisiana State Police, along with at least a dozen other law enforcement agencies, are actively participating in the search for the inmates. Among those recaptured so far are Kendell Myles, found hiding under a car at the Hotel Monteleone parking garage, as well as Robert Moody and Dkenan Dennis. However, seven inmates still remain at large, which raises concerns about public safety.
The fugitives range in age from 19 to 42 years and face various charges, including serious offenses such as aggravated assault, domestic abuse battery, and murder. The ongoing investigation into the escape has led to the suspension of at least three jail staff members, as officials look into the possibility of internal assistance in facilitating the escape.
Officials, including Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson, indicated that the escape would have been nearly impossible without inside help, pointing to troubling infrastructure issues within the facility. Reports note that approximately one-third of the jail’s security cameras are non-operational, contributing to security lapses that may have enabled the escape. Additionally, defective locks have exacerbated the situation, raising alarms about the adequacy of security measures in place at the Orleans Justice Center.
Authorities are urging the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity as they continue their search for the escapees. The New Orleans Police Department has been put on alert, highlighting the serious nature of this incident and the importance of community cooperation in addressing it.
In light of the escape, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has characterized the situation as highly alarming, emphasizing the critical need for upgrades to jail facilities statewide. Sheriff Hutson echoed these concerns, noting that infrastructure upgrades at the Orleans Justice Center have been requested to address security vulnerabilities.
The search for the remaining escapees—Antoine Massey, Lenton Vanburen, Leo Tate, Derrick Groves, Jermain Donald, Corey Boyd, and Gary Price—continues to be a priority for law enforcement. With the ongoing investigation, authorities have indicated that more arrests could be made if individuals who provided assistance to the escapees are identified.
As the manhunt progresses, residents and visitors in New Orleans are reminded to remain alert and report anything unusual to the authorities, while law enforcement works diligently to bring the escapees back into custody.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Reward Increased in New Orleans Inmate Escape Manhunt
New Orleans Manhunt Continues for Seven Inmates Following Jail Break
Manhunt Continues for New Orleans Jail Escapees
Manhunt for Inmates After Largest Jailbreak in Louisiana
Louisiana Governor Orders Audit After Jail Escape
Mass Inmate Escape at Orleans Justice Center Raises Security Concerns
Ten Inmates Escape from Orleans Justice Center
Coordinated Inmate Escape from Orleans Justice Center
Additional Resources
- WDSU: New Orleans Jail Inmate Escape
- Wikipedia: New Orleans
- CBS News: New Orleans Inmates Escape Update
- Google Search: New Orleans inmates escape
- NBC News: Manhunt for Escaped New Orleans Inmates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Orleans Justice Center
- Fox 8 Live: Louisiana State Police Transport Recaptured Escapees
- Google News: New Orleans escape inmates
- AP News: New Orleans Jail Escape
