News Summary
Louisiana State Police have arrested the fifth of ten escapees from the Orleans Justice Center jail, 19-year-old Corey Boyd. He is accused of murdering Brandon Fees during a car burglary. Following a dramatic jailbreak, which took place shortly after midnight, extensive efforts involving 200 local and federal officers have led to the recapture of several escapees. Among those apprehended were Gary C. Price and the first trio that included Kendell Myers. An internal investigation is ongoing to determine how the escape occurred.
New Orleans – Louisiana State Police have captured the fifth of ten escapees from the Orleans Justice Center jail on May 20, 2024. The latest fugitive apprehended is 19-year-old Corey Boyd, who is accused of murdering Brandon Fees during a car burglary last year. Boyd was taken into custody in Treme, specifically in the 1400 block of Iberville Street.
Five escapees remain at large, four days after their dramatic jailbreak, which occurred shortly after midnight on May 20. The escapees initially fled the jail, crossing Interstate 10 immediately after breaking out. The recapture efforts have been extensive, including the involvement of around 200 local and federal officers tasked with locating the remaining fugitives.
The recapture operations have seen some success, including the apprehension of Gary C. Price on May 19 in an abandoned house on Good Drive. Price is wanted for attempted first-degree murder. In addition, Kendell Myers, Robert Moody, and Dkenan Dennis were among the first trio of escapees recaptured within 24 hours of their breakout.
Following the escape, Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson accepted responsibility for the situation and announced the temporary suspension of her re-election campaign. An internal investigation has revealed evidence suggesting that the jailbreak was aided by individuals within the jail, particularly a maintenance worker.
Sterling Williams, a 33-year-old maintenance worker at the Orleans Justice Center, has been arrested on charges of principal to simple escape and malfeasance in office. Williams allegedly assisted in facilitating the jailbreak after being coerced by threats of violence from one of the inmates. The circumstances surrounding the escape involved the inmates removing a toilet from a wall to gain access to a loading dock, climbing a fence, and evading capture by crossing an interstate highway.
Procedural failures and missed notifications have been cited as contributing factors to this security breach, with a civilian monitoring technician reportedly leaving the control module intended for surveillance unattended while responding to a food request. This lapse in oversight has drawn the scrutiny of the Louisiana Legislative Auditor, who is now conducting a comprehensive investigation into the jail’s security protocols and budget expenses.
As the search for the remaining escapees continues, District Attorney Jason Williams expressed concern for the safety of his prosecution team and witnesses in ongoing cases linked to the escapees, as some are believed to be connected to serious crimes including murder and armed robbery. The remaining fugitives are deemed dangerous, raising alarms about public safety in the area.
Authorities are urging the public to assist by providing any tips regarding the whereabouts of the escapees. The situation remains fluid, with surveillance and search efforts ongoing.
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HERE Resources
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Inmate Escape at Orleans Parish Jail Raises Security Concerns
Louisiana Police Capture Fourth Inmate from Jail Escape
Dramatic Jailbreak Sparks Manhunt in New Orleans
Manhunt Continues for Escapees from Orleans Parish Prison
Fourth Inmate Captured After New Orleans Jail Break
Intensified Manhunt for Escapees from Orleans Justice Center
Mass Jailbreak at Orleans Justice Center Raises Security Concerns
Coordinated Jailbreak at Orleans Justice Center Sparks Manhunt
Additional Resources
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- Wikipedia: New Orleans Jail Escape
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jail Escape
- Google News: New Orleans jail escape
