News Summary
Three of the ten inmates who escaped from the Orleans Parish jail have been recaptured, while two remain at large. The recaptured individuals face serious charges, including murder. Involved parties have been arrested for aiding the escape, prompting concerns over security within the jail. An ongoing investigation is addressing systemic issues and ensuring safety. Authorities are currently seeking information to locate the remaining fugitives as the situation develops.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana — Three of the ten inmates who escaped from the Orleans Parish jail on May 16 have been recaptured, while two escapees remain at large as of May 27, 2025. Lenton Vanburen Jr., aged 26, was apprehended on May 26 while sitting on a bench near a department store following an anonymous tip. Along with Vanburen, authorities captured Leo Tate Sr., 31, and Jermaine Donald, 42, in Walker County, north of Houston, Texas.
Vanburen faces serious charges, including second-degree murder related to a fatal shooting in New Orleans East back in November 2021. His accomplices, Tate and Donald, are also facing charges of significant crimes. Tate has been charged with second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder stemming from a 2018 double shooting in the 7th Ward, while Donald faces charges of second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a felon, dating back to December 2023.
Following their escape, a significant investigation ensued that has implicated numerous individuals in aiding the fugitives. Reports indicate that at least a dozen people may have been involved in assisting the escapees. Authorities have arrested Patricia Vanburen, 18, and Tyshanea Randolph, 27, who are charged as accessories after the fact for allegedly driving Vanburen to a relative’s home in Mississippi. Lenton Vanburen’s sister, Lenika Vanburen, aged 28, was also arrested on a fugitive count along with several traffic violations.
The ongoing investigation has raised significant concerns about the security and oversight within the Orleans Parish jail. Following the jailbreak, which involved inmates breaching a toilet and escaping through a loading dock without being noticed for hours, officials have confirmed that several others are currently under investigation, and additional arrests are expected.
The bonds for alleged accomplices involved in the case range between $1 million and $2.5 million. Charges against individuals such as Lenton J. Vanburen Sr., Emmitt Weber, Trevon B. Williams, and Angel McKey include accessory after the fact, reflecting the seriousness of their involvement in the escape. Additionally, Trevon Williams has been rebooked for providing a blanket and a shirt that were used by the escapees to climb over a fence during their breakout.
As of now, the two remaining escapees, Derrick Groves and Antoine Massey, have not yet been located, prompting officials to offer bonuses totaling $20,000 for information leading to their capture. The situation remains fluid, and law enforcement agencies are actively seeking information from the public to aid in the efforts to apprehend the outstanding fugitives.
This incident underscores the need for enhanced security measures within correctional facilities and has prompted a review of existing protocols to prevent future escape attempts. The events following the escape have drawn attention not only for the actions of the escapees but also for the systemic issues that allowed this situation to unfold.
In conclusion, while three inmates have been recaptured, the continuing search for the remaining escapees signifies an ongoing law enforcement operation aimed at restoring safety and accountability.
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Additional Resources
- NBC News
- Wikipedia: Prison Escape
- WDSU
- Google Search: New Orleans jailbreak
- Fox 8 Live
- Google Scholar: New Orleans jail security
- USA Today
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Prison Escape
- CBS News
- Google News: New Orleans jailbreak
