May 18, 2025

Coordinated Inmate Escape from Orleans Justice Center

News Summary

A major security breach at the Orleans Justice Center resulted in the escape of ten inmates, facilitated by critical staffing shortages and faulty locks. Authorities recaptured three escapees while a manhunt for the remaining fugitives continues. Concerns have been raised about the jail’s security conditions, leading to suspensions among staff and increased scrutiny from officials. Families of victims connected to the escapees have been placed under protection as the search intensifies.

New Orleans – A major security breach occurred at the Orleans Justice Center on May 16, 2025, when ten inmates executed a coordinated escape during an overnight shift. The escape, which took place around 1:30 a.m., was facilitated by a remarkable series of oversights, including a deficient lock and inadequate staffing.

According to authorities, the escapees broke out through a hole they created behind a toilet, scaled a wall, and made their way out the facility undetected. At the time of the breakout, the only guard assigned to the cell pod had reportedly left to procure food, leaving the prisoners unsupervised. Surveillance cameras captured footage of the inmates sprinting away from the facility, with some wearing orange jumpsuits and others in white clothing, highlighting the chaotic nature of their escape.

As of now, three escapees have been recaptured: Kendall Myles, Robert Moody, and Dkenan Dennis. Myles, notably, has a history of previous escapes from juvenile detention, while Moody’s recapture was aided by a tip received via Crimestoppers. Dennis was arrested near Chef Menteur Highway. The remaining seven escapees are still at large, many of whom are wanted for serious charges, including murder.

Authorities determined the escape was not discovered until a routine count revealed the inmates’ absence at 8:30 a.m., over seven hours after they had fled. Investigators highlighted the escapees’ messages found near the breach, including the phrase “To Easy LoL” with an arrow pointing toward the hole they used to escape, indicating a planned operation.

The manhunt for the remaining escapees is ongoing, with authorities warning the public that the fugitives are armed and considered dangerous. Over 200 law enforcement officials, comprising local, state, and federal agencies, are involved in the search efforts. Authorities are currently analyzing cell phone records and interviewing jail employees to gather more information about the escape.

Concerns have been raised regarding the jail’s security condition, which reportedly included defective doors and a critical staffing shortage, operating at about 60% of its capacity. Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson noted that prior to the escape, she had expressed worries about security issues within the facility’s infrastructure. Additionally, three jail employees have been suspended pending an investigation into their potential involvement in aiding the escape.

The Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams criticized the inadequate handling of the situation, deeming it dangerous and unacceptable. Families of victims connected to some of the escapees have been alerted and placed under protection in light of the ongoing risk.

Authorities had initially reported that eleven inmates had escaped, but this was later corrected to ten when accounting revisions were made. The escapees range in age from 19 to 42, with several facing serious charges such as murder, armed robbery, and domestic abuse battery.

Bounty offers totaling up to $7,000 have been established for information leading to the capture of the remaining fugitives, as authorities continue to emphasize the high risk that these individuals pose, particularly to witnesses or victims from their prior cases. The ongoing investigation aims to ensure accountability and improve security measures to prevent future outbreaks.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Escape from Orleans Justice Center: Three Recaptured, Seven Still At Large
Manhunt for Inmates Following Orleans Parish Jail Escape
Family of Murder Victim Goes into Hiding After Jail Escape
Ten Inmates Escape from Orleans Parish Jail in New Orleans
Ten Inmates Escape Orleans Parish Jail in New Orleans
Seven Inmates Escape from Orleans Parish Jail, Manhunt Underway
Ten Inmates Escape from Orleans Justice Center, Search Underway
Inmates Escape from Orleans Parish Jail, Security in Question
Jailbreak at Orleans Parish Justice Center Leaves Inmates at Large
Ten Inmates Escape from Orleans Parish Justice Center

Additional Resources

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.

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