Heightened security measures at the Orleans Parish Justice Center following the jailbreak incident.
A significant jailbreak at the Orleans Parish Justice Center in New Orleans led to the escape of ten inmates. The incident was discovered during a routine headcount, prompting a major law enforcement response. Surveillance footage showed the inmates breaching their cell, and while three have been recaptured, seven remain at large, raising safety concerns in the community. Authorities are investigating potential internal assistance and have placed three sheriff’s office employees on leave without pay. Sheriff Susan Hutson highlighted urgent security lapses and the critical need for jail upgrades.
Ten inmates escaped from the Orleans Parish Justice Center in New Orleans early Friday morning, leading to a significant law enforcement response and an ongoing investigation. The jailbreak was discovered during a routine headcount at approximately 8:30 a.m. on Friday, almost eight hours after the escape occurred.
Initial reports suggested that eleven inmates had escaped, but this count was later corrected to ten. One inmate, identified as Keith Lewis, had been relocated to a different cell and did not participate in the escape. Authorities have confirmed that the inmates managed to breach a wall by cutting a hole behind a toilet and later climbing over a fence to flee.
Surveillance footage revealed that the inmates forcefully opened their cell door around 12:22 a.m. and exited through a loading dock door shortly after 1:00 a.m. The escape route bore graffiti with phrases such as “We Innocent” and “To Easy LoL,” indicating the inmates’ brazen attitude towards their actions. Sheriff’s officials believe the escape may have had assistance from individuals within the department, prompting a serious investigation. As a result, three sheriff’s office employees have been placed on leave without pay while the inquiry unfolds.
By Friday night, authorities had successfully recaptured three of the escapees: Dkenan Dennis was apprehended on Dale Street, Kendall Myles was discovered hiding under a car in the French Quarter, and Robert Moody was recaptured later in the evening. Notably, Myles had previously escaped from the Bridge City Youth Center and was facing serious charges, including attempted murder and carjacking. Following his recapture, he now faces an additional charge of simple escape.
In response to the jailbreak, local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies have launched a full-scale search for the remaining seven escapees. Among those still at large, at least four are charged with violent crimes, including murder and attempted murder, raising community safety concerns. Authorities have classified the escapees as armed and dangerous, urging the public not to engage with or approach them if spotted.
Sheriff Susan Hutson underscored the gravity of the situation, acknowledging serious lapses in security that allowed the escape to occur. She emphasized the need for significant upgrades to the jail’s security measures, with estimates suggesting a cost of $5.2 million solely for lock replacements. The jail is currently on lockdown as officials work to address the situation.
Louisiana’s Attorney General, Liz Murrill, has called for a comprehensive investigation into the jailbreak, highlighting the necessity for accountability. In addition, police have taken precautionary measures by relocating some families from nearby homes to ensure their safety while authorities search for the escapees.
Despite the ongoing search and heightened security measures, notifications to the public regarding the escape were delayed for several hours, causing frustration among community members. Law enforcement is currently focusing on the areas surrounding New Orleans, where the escapees are believed to be hiding.
The incident marks a concerning breach of security at one of the region’s key correctional facilities and has prompted an urgent review of safety protocols to prevent future occurrences.
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