News Summary
Three inmates who escaped from the Orleans Justice Center in New Orleans have been recaptured following high-speed chases and tips from the public. Their escape was facilitated by a faulty cell door and a hole behind a toilet. Now, two escapees remain at large, prompting authorities to issue a reward for information leading to their capture. The incident has raised serious concerns about the jail’s security protocols and management, resulting in multiple arrests linked to the inmates’ breakout.
New Orleans – In a dramatic turn of events, three inmates who escaped from the Orleans Justice Center jail in New Orleans on May 16, 2025, have been recaptured following a series of high-speed chases and tips from the public. The inmates’ escape was realized to be part of a poorly executed breakout plan that raised questions around the facility’s security measures.
Authorities confirmed the capture of Lenton Vanburen Jr. (26), Leo Tate (31), and Jermaine Donald (42), who had managed to slip away along with a total of ten inmates. Vanburen was apprehended in Baton Rouge on May 26, 2025, found sitting on a bench near a department store. Meanwhile, Tate and Donald were captured during a high-speed chase in Walker County, Texas, where they reached speeds of up to 80 mph before ultimately surrendering after a short pursuit.
The escape occurred when inmates managed to force open a faulty cell door, excavate a hole behind a toilet, and shimmy over a barbed-wire fence. Their absence from the facility went unnoticed until a morning headcount several hours later, at which point graffiti left at the scene reading “To Easy LoL” suggested the escapees believed they could evade capture easily.
In the aftermath of the jailbreak, five individuals have been arrested for allegedly aiding Vanburen’s escape. Charges against them include accessory after the fact, pointing to a possible network of support encouraging the inmates’ actions. Among these arrests is a maintenance worker who reportedly turned off the water supply to the toilet, facilitating the inmates’ breakout.
As of the current reports, two escapees, Derrick Groves (27) and Antoine Massey (33), remain at large. Groves has a violent history, having two charges of second-degree murder linked to a shooting during Mardi Gras in 2018, while Massey has an extensive criminal past, including motor vehicle theft, domestic abuse battery, and pending charges for kidnapping and rape.
In light of these developments, authorities have issued a $20,000 reward for information leading to the capture of Groves and Massey. The escape prompted a significant manhunt that involved both local and state law enforcement agencies, showcasing a collaborative effort to restore safety in the community.
The Orleans Parish jail has previously come under fire for poor conditions, including overcrowding, understaffing, and faulty security measures. Following the escape, concerns were raised regarding the jail’s management and the adequacy of its protocols to prevent such incidents. Officials have expressed particular apprehension for victims and their families, as several escapees were previously implicated in violent crimes.
To date, a total of 13 individuals have faced arrest as a result of the escape, including not only those accused of assisting the fugitives but also some allegedly linked to negligent security practices at the facility. The incident has sparked discussions about the wider issues of inmate management and facility oversight in Louisiana.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Three Inmates from Orleans Justice Center Captured
Three Inmates Recaptured After New Orleans Jail Escape
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Manhunt Continues for Escapees from New Orleans Jail
Additional Resources
- Associated Press: New Orleans Inmates Escape Captured
- Google Search: New Orleans inmate escape
- NBC News: New Orleans Jail Escape
- Wikipedia: New Orleans
- WDSU: New Orleans Escaped Inmate Manhunt
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Louisiana prison
- New York Times: New Orleans Jail Escape
- Google Scholar: 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.
