News Summary
In a dramatic escape, ten inmates broke out of the Orleans Parish jail on May 16, 2025, exploiting security lapses. The incident was discovered during a routine headcount, leading to a major manhunt. Authorities suspect inside assistance and have already recaptured three of the escapees. The remaining fugitives are considered armed and dangerous, prompting heightened security measures across New Orleans. An investigation has been launched to determine if staff aided the inmates’ escape.
New Orleans – In a dramatic incident, ten inmates escaped from the Orleans Parish jail early on May 16, 2025. The escape was uncovered during a routine headcount at 8:30 a.m., when authorities realized that the inmates were missing from their cells.
The escape occurred due to security lapses, including defective locks on the cells, which allowed the inmates to breach a wall located behind a toilet. They exited through a supply loading door, scaled a wall, and fled across the interstate, where they discarded their prison clothing. Sheriff Susan Hutson has indicated that there may have been inside assistance in this elaborate escape plan, as evidenced by messages left above the escape hole, including one stating, “To Easy LoL.” Initial reports mistakenly stated that eleven inmates had escaped, but this was later corrected to ten.
As of now, three of the escaped inmates have been recaptured shortly after the incident. The remaining escapees are deemed armed and dangerous, prompting a major multi-agency manhunt involving over 200 law enforcement personnel, including the FBI and U.S. Marshals.
Details of the Escapees
The escapees comprise a range of individuals with serious criminal backgrounds. The following are the identified inmates:
- Corey E. Boyd (19) – Accused of shooting a witness.
- Dkenan Dennis (24) – Charged with armed robbery and kidnapping.
- Jermaine Donald (42) – Charged with murder and firearm possession.
- Derrick Groves (27) – Convicted of second-degree murder for a double homicide.
- Antoine Massey (32) – Facing vehicle theft and domestic abuse battery charges.
- Robert Moody (21) – Pleaded not guilty to drug and weapons charges.
- Kendell Myles (20) – Previously escaped from a youth facility; charged with carjacking and attempted murder.
- Gary Price (21) – Charged with attempted first-degree murder and other domestic offenses.
- Leo Tate (31) – Convicted of obstruction of justice, originally charged with murder.
- Lenton Vanburen (26) – Charged with second-degree murder.
Investigation and Arrests
The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office has suspended three employees pending an investigation to determine if any staff members aided in the escape. Authorities are reviewing phone calls and messages to identify potential accomplices within their ranks.
One of the escapees, Kendell Myles, was captured by Louisiana State Police while hiding under a car. He now faces an additional charge of simple escape, contributing to the ongoing investigation into the various aspects of the jailbreak.
Public Safety Measures
In light of the escape, public safety officials have been vocal in alerting the community that all remaining escapees are considered armed and dangerous. This development has heightened security and precautionary measures across New Orleans as law enforcement continues to search for the fugitives.
Calls for Accountability
The Louisiana Attorney General has requested a thorough investigation into the incident, emphasizing that there may be potential grounds for prosecution of individuals who could have facilitated or failed to prevent this escape.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding prison security in the state, as authorities grapple with maintaining safety and oversight within correctional facilities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Inmates Recaptured Following New Orleans Jailbreak
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Tragic Night in New Orleans: A Beloved Brother Lost
Additional Resources
- The New York Times
- CNN
- BBC News
- NOLA.com
- WDSU
- Wikipedia: New Orleans
- Google Search: New Orleans inmates escape jail
- Google Scholar: prison security New Orleans
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Louisiana
- Google News: New Orleans jail escape
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.
