Authorities continue the manhunt for the remaining fugitives from the New Orleans jail escape.
Authorities have recaptured three additional inmates who escaped from a New Orleans jail earlier this month, bringing the total number of captured escapees to eight. The latest arrests occurred on May 26, with two inmates still on the run. The jailbreak, which happened on May 16, involved ten inmates and is under investigation, with suspicions of staff involvement. The apprehended inmates are now held in Louisiana State Penitentiary. A $20,000 reward is offered for information leading to the remaining fugitives.
Three more inmates who escaped from a New Orleans jail earlier this month have been recaptured, bringing the total number of apprehended escapees to eight. Lenton Vanburen Jr., Leo Tate Sr., and Jermaine Donald were arrested on May 26, 2025, leaving two additional inmates still on the run.
Vanburen, 26, was taken into custody in Baton Rouge while sitting on a bench near a department store at 9636 Hammond Aire. His arrest followed an anonymous tip. Simultaneously, 31-year-old Leo Tate and 42-year-old Jermaine Donald were apprehended in Walker County, Texas, which is located north of Houston. The recapture of these individuals is part of an ongoing manhunt that initially involved ten escapees from the Orleans Justice Center.
Of the ten inmates who fled on May 16, 2025, seven have now been recaptured. Two escapees, Derrick Groves and Antoine Massey, remain at large. The jailbreak reportedly occurred around 1 a.m. that night when inmates managed to break through a cell door and slide through a hole in the wall behind a toilet, taking advantage of a guard’s meal break. Authorities did not realize the inmates were missing until 8:30 a.m.
Vanburen was previously charged with second-degree murder in connection with a shooting in New Orleans East in November 2021. Although he pleaded not guilty, his involvement in this escape has further complicated his legal troubles. Tate was initially jailed on similar charges but later accepted a plea deal that changed his charges to obstruction of justice. Donald, who has a lengthy criminal history, was also charged with second-degree murder and illegal possession of a firearm.
The apprehended escapees are now being held at the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola, without bail. Earlier captures from the breakout included Corey Boyd, Kendell Myles, Robert Moody, Dkenan Dennis, and Gary Price. As the investigations continue, authorities suspect that some staff members at the Orleans Justice Center may have assisted in the jailbreak. One suspect, a plumber by the name of Sterling Williams, has already been arrested in connection with the case. Additionally, three women, who are related to Vanburen, were detained for allegedly aiding his escape by transporting him to a relative’s house in Mississippi. To date, at least nine individuals have been arrested on suspicion of involvement in aiding the escapees.
The state has come under scrutiny regarding the management of the Orleans lockup, prompting Sheriff Susan Hutson to suspend her reelection campaign amidst criticism. Investigations into the operations of the Orleans jail and the local criminal justice system are ongoing. In response to the jailbreak, the Louisiana State Police and the Texas Department of Public Safety have collaborated effectively in recapturing the escapees, a fact commended by Governor Jeff Landry.
A $20,000 reward is currently being offered for information leading to the capture of the remaining fugitives. Video footage of the jailbreak has circulated widely online and has drawn significant national attention, highlighting the severity of the situation and the community’s concerns.
Authorities continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of the public as the manhunt and investigations proceed.
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