Manhunt Underway for Inmates Escaped from New Orleans Jail

News Summary

A major manhunt is in progress for five inmates who escaped from Orleans Parish Correctional Facility. The escape has raised serious security concerns as multiple escape incidents have occurred recently, prompting a multi-agency response. Authorities are seeking public assistance in recapturing the fugitives, particularly since some have violent criminal backgrounds. Recent events highlight deteriorating conditions within the jail and has led to arrests of those allegedly aiding the inmates. The safety of the community remains a priority as law enforcement continues to address security flaws.

New Orleans – A manhunt is currently taking place for five inmates who escaped from the Orleans Parish Correctional Facility. This urgent search follows the escape of Tra’Von Johnson, a 19-year-old awaiting trial for his alleged role in a deadly home invasion in 2022. Johnson managed to evade custody from a neighboring jail in Tangipahoa Parish on Thursday afternoon, before being recaptured the next day just a few miles from the prison.

Johnson’s escape was reported by the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) at approximately 4:30 p.m., but authorities did not uncover his absence until a headcount around 10 p.m. Johnson is no stranger to escape; he previously fled from the same facility in May 2024. The incident has raised serious concerns about security within the jail system.

In a related incident, a larger manhunt is underway for ten inmates who escaped from the Orleans Parish Correctional Facility on May 16, 2025. These inmates broke free by removing a toilet, cutting a hole in the wall, and scaling a fence. Alarmingly, authorities did not discover the escape until hours later during a scheduled headcount.

The aftermath of this jailbreak has led to a multi-agency manhunt involving around 200 law enforcement officials at state, local, and federal levels. Among the escapees is Lenton Vanburen, who was captured in Baton Rouge. His father has since been arrested for allegedly assisting the escapees, alongside twelve others, including a maintenance worker at the jail who faces charges related to aiding the fugitives.

The charges levied against the accomplices include principal to simple escape and malfeasance in office, indicating a serious lapse in institutional security. Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams has been vocally critical of Sheriff Susan Hutson for not conducting an immediate investigation into the escape scenario, which has compounded concerns among community leaders.

Among the most dangerous of the remaining fugitives are Derrick Groves, who has been convicted of two counts of second-degree murder, and Antoine Massey, known for his extensive criminal history. In light of the potential risks posed by these individuals, authorities have announced they are offering rewards totaling $20,000 for information that leads to their capture.

Reports indicate that conditions within the Orleans Parish jail have been deteriorating, with inmates frequently found unsupervised and engaged in illicit activities. Insufficient security measures and a rise in violent incidents have prompted an independent watchdog to call for the reestablishment of a high-security unit within the jail, advocating for necessary reforms to enhance safety and prevent future escapes.

The chaotic nature of the jailbreak has given rise to multiple arrests, triggering a broader investigation into security practices and the overall management of the Orleans Parish jail system. As law enforcement agencies continue their search for escapees and assess the circumstances surrounding the jailbreak, the safety of the community remains a top priority.

Authorities are urging residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity as they work diligently to secure the remaining escapees and address the serious security flaws that have been exposed by these recent events.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Three Inmates Recaptured After Orleans Parish Jail Escape
Manhunt Continues for Dangerous Jail Escapees in New Orleans
Inmates Recaptured After Dramatic Escape from Orleans Jail
Three More Inmates Recaptured in New Orleans Jail Escape
Inmates Recaptured After Orleans Justice Center Escape
Inmates Captured After New Orleans Jailbreak
Eight Escapees Recaptured from Orleans Justice Center
Three Inmates Captured Following Orleans Jail Escape
Three Inmates from Orleans Justice Center Captured
Three Inmates Recaptured After New Orleans Jail Escape

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