A tense scene at a correctional facility where a jailbreak occurred, illustrating security vulnerabilities.
In a shocking jailbreak, ten inmates escaped from the Orleans Parish Justice Center. The escape was meticulously planned, with some remaining at large despite a nationwide manhunt. Local authorities continue to grapple with security concerns raised by this incident, leading to investigations into the management of the facility and the role of an alleged accomplice. With community reactions ranging from fear to fascination, this event has raised significant questions about the safety of correctional institutions in the area.
New Orleans – In a dramatic jailbreak on May 16, 2025, ten inmates escaped from the Orleans Parish Justice Center. The audacious escape began at approximately 12:22 a.m. when the inmates managed to force open a door and cut through a wall behind a toilet. By 1 a.m., they had exited the facility through a loading dock, scaled a barbed-wire fence, and fled across Interstate 10 into the surrounding area.
As of June 17, 2025, a month after the escape, two of the inmates, Antoine Massey (32) and Derrick Groves (27), remain at large. The jail break has since garnered national attention and spurred a concerted manhunt involving multiple law enforcement agencies. Local authorities have provided updates indicating that the search for the two remaining fugitives is ongoing.
Among the escapees, many had prior convictions, with several awaiting trial for violent crimes, including murder. As the week progressed, most of the recaptured inmates were transported to the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola. Those captured included Derrick Groves, who faced second-degree murder charges connected to a double homicide during Mardi Gras in 2018, and Corey Boyd, age 19, who was accused of killing a witness in a carjacking case. Additionally, Leo Tate Sr. (31), Jermaine Donald (42) and Lenton Vanburen (26) faced serious charges tied to violent incidents.
Surveillance footage revealed the inmates utilized blankets to navigate the barbed-wire fence, portraying a meticulously planned escape. Investigations have pointed to the involvement of a maintenance worker, Sterling Williams (33), alleged to have aided in the breakout by disabling the water supply to facilitate the removal of the toilet. Reports indicate that the escape plan took advantage of a brief moment when a civilian staff member was distracted while monitoring the cell area.
Upon their escape, the inmates left behind graffiti that taunted authorities, sparking a wave of reactions on social media and leading to the creation of local merchandise celebrating their defiance. The authorities have also apprehended multiple alleged accomplices who purportedly assisted the escapees.
Criticism has mounted against Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson regarding her management of the jail. The facility has faced serious challenges, operating over its safe capacity, which led to deteriorating security conditions and monitoring failures. As the crisis unfolded, local officials, including City Council member Jean-Paul Morrell, voiced concerns about the facility’s security protocols and overall management failures.
In response to the jailbreak and ensuing chaos, the Louisiana Attorney General initiated an investigation into the incident. Sheriff Hutson has temporarily suspended her re-election campaign as the fallout from the escape continues to escalate. Reports have indicated that deficiencies in jail infrastructure, compounded by staff shortages and inadequate funding, played significant roles in the conditions that allowed for such a bold escape.
Law enforcement agencies, including U.S. Marshals, have engaged aggressively in pursuing leads and are offering rewards for information that may lead to capturing the remaining fugitives. In an unusual twist, some of the escapees have taken to social media while on the run, attempting to assert their innocence and claim wrongful accusations.
This jailbreak has shocked the community and raised serious questions about the safety and security of correctional facilities in the area. The investigation continues as authorities work diligently to restore order and ensure that justice is served.
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Manhunt Underway for Seven Inmates Who Escaped Orleans Parish Prison
Ongoing Manhunt for Escaped Inmates in New Orleans Jail
Escaped Inmates Raise Safety Concerns in New Orleans
New Orleans on High Alert as Authorities Pursue Escaped Fugitives
Girlfriend of Inmate Arrested for Aiding Escape from Orleans Justice Center
Former Sheriff’s Office Employee Arrested for Escape Plot
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Girlfriend of Escaped Inmate Arrested in Conspiracy Case
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