News Summary
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced that three more inmates who escaped from the Orleans Justice Center have been captured. Lenton Vanburen, Leo Tate, and Jermaine Donald were apprehended during a large-scale manhunt following their breakout. The escape, which involved ten inmates breaching a prison wall, raised serious concerns about the security of the facility. A total of 13 individuals have been arrested in connection with the escape, and police continue to search for the remaining escapees, urging community vigilance.
New Orleans – On May 27, 2025, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced that three more inmates who escaped from the Orleans Justice Center earlier this month have been captured. The captured individuals, Lenton Vanburen, Leo Tate, and Jermaine Donald, were apprehended following a large-scale manhunt initiated after the jailbreak.
The escape occurred on May 16, when ten inmates forced their way out of the facility. Surveillance footage revealed that the inmates breached a wall behind a toilet after opening a cell door. Their absence went unnoticed until a routine headcount around 8:30 a.m. revealed that some inmates were missing. Following the jailbreak, three escapees were quickly recaptured, leaving five still at large.
Lenton Vanburen was apprehended in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, while co-escapees Leo Tate and Jermaine Donald were caught in Walker County, Texas, through the involvement of the Texas Department of Public Safety. All three men are facing additional charges related to their escape.
Vanburen was originally serving time for a parole violation, possession of a firearm by a felon, and illegal carrying of a weapon. Leo Tate had previous charges of burglary and illegal carrying of a weapon, alongside a criminal history that includes attempted second-degree murder. Jermaine Donald faced serious charges of second-degree murder, aggravated battery, and possession of a firearm by a felon prior to the escape.
Authorities have arrested a total of 13 individuals in connection with the escape, including five persons charged with being accessories after the fact for assisting Vanburen’s escape. Notably, a jail maintenance worker has been apprehended for allegedly disabling water to the toilet used by the escapees, reportedly under duress from one of the inmates.
The investigation into the escape is still ongoing, with law enforcement agencies actively searching for the remaining escapees, who are believed to be armed and dangerous. Residents are being urged to remain vigilant, as the authorities are offering a reward for information leading to the capture of the five inmates still at large.
The jailbreak raised serious questions about the security protocols at the Orleans Justice Center. Graffiti left behind by the inmates included a message stating, “To Easy LoL,” alluding to their escapade. Following the escape, security measures at the facility are likely to come under review as part of a broader reassessment of jail operational practices.
As the situation develops, local authorities continue to pose significant efforts toward apprehending the remaining escapees and ensuring community safety. The swift work of law enforcement following the jailbreak reflects a coordinated response to a serious breach of security within the justice system.
Community members are encouraged to report any suspicious activity or information regarding the escapees to the police, emphasizing the importance of public involvement in maintaining safety after such a high-profile incident.
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Additional Resources
- AP News
- Wikipedia: Prison Escape
- ABC News
- Google Search: New Orleans inmate escape
- Fox 8 Live
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Prison Security
- BBC News
- Google News: Louisiana jail escape
- Washington Post
- Google Scholar: Prison Escape Protocols
- NOLA.com
- Google Search: New Orleans jail security measures
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.
