News Summary
A major manhunt is underway after ten inmates escaped from Orleans Parish Jail early Friday morning. Three have been recaptured, leaving seven fugitives at large. This incident has raised significant concerns about jail security and public safety, prompting a reward for information on the remaining escapees and suspension of jail staff. Investigators suspect internal assistance in the elaborate escape plan, which involved tampering with locks and breaching walls.
New Orleans – A significant manhunt is underway after ten inmates escaped from the Orleans Parish Jail early Friday morning, May 16, 2025. Currently, three of the escapees have been recaptured, leaving seven still at large. The situation has raised alarms over jail security breaches and public safety concerns.
The escape was discovered during a routine headcount at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, prompting immediate action from law enforcement. Investigators believe that the inmates dug a hole behind a toilet to facilitate their exit, a task that would have required tools not typically available to inmates. This raises suspicions about possible internal assistance within the jail.
Surveillance footage and log data indicate that the escape occurred at approximately 12:23 a.m. on Friday. The inmates managed to tamper with a locked cell door and breached the wall, exiting the facility through a secured door at around 1:01 a.m. As part of fallout from this security breach, Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson has suspended three employees pending an internal investigation.
To aid in the search efforts, an FBI task force joined the authorities at 4:30 p.m. on the same day. They have announced a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the capture of the remaining escapees. In addition, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) has added another $5,000 to the fund, while Crime Stoppers has offered $2,000, totaling $12,000 in rewards for information.
Law enforcement agencies involved in the manhunt include the Louisiana State Police, U.S. Marshals, and Probation and Parole divisions. Given the serious charges faced by the fugitives—which include second-degree murder and other violent crimes—authorities have warned that all escapees should be considered armed and dangerous.
The inmates who escaped include Antoine Massey, Lenton Vanburen, Leo Tate, Kendell Myles, Derrick Groves, Jermain Donald, Corey Boyd, Gary Price, Robert Moody, and DKenan Dennis. The captured inmates, Robert Moody, Dkenan Dennis, and Kendell Myles, now face additional charges related to simple escape and have been transferred to another facility by Louisiana State Police.
Governor Jeff Landry has responded to the crisis by ordering an audit of both the sheriff’s office and the Orleans Parish Prison, highlighting the systemic issues that contributed to this significant security lapse. Sheriff Hutson noted that many locks within the facility were malfunctioning and that approximately one-third of the security cameras were inoperable at the time of the escape.
This incident is being described as one of the largest jail breaks in Louisiana’s history and has prompted serious discussions about the overall safety of the facility. Sheriff Hutson has called attention to staffing deficiencies and equipment failures that have plagued the jail for some time, pointing to a need for immediate reforms.
The community has been alerted to remain vigilant, with law enforcement agencies urging residents to report any suspicious activities related to the escapees. The sheriff’s office and state authorities continue to appeal for public assistance in locating the remaining fugitives and addressing the palpable concerns regarding public safety in the wake of this large-scale escape.
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HERE Resources
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Mass Inmate Escape at Orleans Justice Center Raises Security Concerns
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Coordinated Inmate Escape from Orleans Justice Center
Escape from Orleans Justice Center: Three Recaptured, Seven Still At Large
Manhunt for Inmates Following Orleans Parish Jail Escape
Additional Resources
- WDSU News
- Wikipedia: New Orleans
- CBS News
- Google Search: New Orleans jail escape
- NBC News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: New Orleans
- AP News
- Google News: New Orleans jail escape
