News Summary
In a dramatic turn of events, a fourth individual has been arrested in connection with the escape of ten inmates from a New Orleans jail. Connie Weeden, 59, is charged as an accessory, allegedly involved in facilitating the transfer of funds for escapee Jermaine Donald. With five escapees still at large, community concerns about safety have surged, leading to extensive police searches and heightened scrutiny of jail security measures. This incident raises critical questions about the management and oversight of the New Orleans Criminal Justice System.
New Orleans – A fourth individual has been arrested in connection with the escape of ten inmates from a New Orleans jail, following a dramatic jailbreak that has raised concerns about community safety and law enforcement effectiveness. Connie Weeden, 59, is charged with being an accessory after the fact, accused of coordinating with escapee Jermaine Donald before and after his flight from custody and facilitating the transfer of money through a cell phone app after the escape.
As of now, five of the ten escapees are still at large, while five have been apprehended by law enforcement. The jailbreak occurred early on May 16, when inmates were able to remove a cell door and breach a wall behind a toilet. They then scaled a fence separating the jail from a nearby construction site and crossed a freeway to evade capture.
The escape was not noticed until over seven hours later, around 8:30 a.m. on May 19, raising questions about oversight and security protocols at the facility. Shortly after the escape was discovered, Sterling Williams, a 33-year-old maintenance worker at the jail, was arrested for allegedly disabling water flow, which is believed to have aided the inmates’ escape. Williams’s actions prompted further investigations into the circumstances that allowed the escape to occur.
On May 21, two additional individuals, Cortnie Harris, 32, and Corvanntay Baptiste, 38, were arrested for their involvement as accessories after the fact in the ongoing investigation. The New Orleans Police Department has indicated that the daring escape was partially captured on surveillance video, contributing to their continued investigation.
Concerns are high among residents in New Orleans, with many expressing uncertainty about their safety in the wake of the breakout. Local police are conducting extensive searches for the remaining fugitives. However, law enforcement efforts are challenged by a history of mistrust in the community, stemming from past incidents of misconduct and racial bias issues. The police superintendent has suggested that most of the fugitives are likely to still be within city limits, increasing the urgency of the search effort.
Police are offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to the capture of the remaining escapees. The Louisiana Attorney General, Liz Murrill, has indicated that further arrests could occur as both the police and judicial authorities investigate the events surrounding the escape. Some of the apprehended inmates were facing serious charges, including violent crimes and murder, heightening the stakes of the situation.
The investigation is now focusing on potential assistance from jail staff and community members that might have facilitated the escape, including any involvement by staff in the events leading up to the jailbreak. Meanwhile, public opinion shows prevailing distrust in law enforcement, coupled with ongoing concerns over the police response times and their overall effectiveness in maintaining public safety.
The New Orleans Criminal Justice System is facing increased scrutiny regarding its ability to manage such incidents and the conditions of its jail facilities. While some captured inmates have been returned to custody, the situation has underscored ongoing challenges within the justice system, as officials work to address both immediate and underlying issues contributing to this high-profile escape.
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Additional Resources
- CBS News
- Wikipedia: New Orleans
- AP News
- Google Search: New Orleans Jail Escape
- Fox News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: New Orleans crime
- CNN
- Google News: New Orleans escape news
- WWLTV
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.
