News Summary
A large-scale manhunt is ongoing for seven inmates who escaped from Orleans Parish Prison in New Orleans. The escape, which involved tampering with a cell door, has led to heightened security measures and increased rewards for information leading to their capture. Authorities have recaptured three escapees, but four remain at large. The FBI suspects public assistance in their evasion. The investigation highlights serious concerns regarding prison management and security protocols in the area.
New Orleans, Louisiana — A large-scale manhunt is in progress for seven inmates who escaped from Orleans Parish Prison in the early hours of May 16, 2023. The escape occurred around 1 a.m. when the inmates managed to pull a “defective” cell door off its tracks, allowing them to access a hole behind a toilet and flee the facility.
As of May 18, the manhunt, which involves local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, has entered its third day. The FBI has increased its reward to $10,000 for information leading to the capture of each escapee; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is offering $5,000 per inmate, and Louisiana’s Crime Stoppers program announced a similar increase, funded by state authorities.
Currently, law enforcement has recaptured three inmates: Kendell Myles, Robert Moody, and Dkenan Dennis. This leaves seven individuals still at large, identified as Corey Boyd, Leo Tate, Jermaine Donald, Derrick Groves, Lenton Vanburen, Antoine T. Massey, and Gary C. Price. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to the escapees.
Special Agent Jonathan Trapp from the FBI suspects that some members of the public may be aiding the escapees in evading capture. As the investigation progresses, it has been reported that at least one escapee was found hiding under a car in a hotel garage, and another was recaptured due to a tip-off from the public.
Colonel Robert Hodges of the Louisiana State Police has indicated that the inmates may have fled New Orleans and could be seeking refuge in other parishes or even neighboring states. Evidence suggests that assistance from outside the correctional facility likely played a role in the escape, according to Jeworski Mallett, the Orleans Parish Chief of Corrections.
Security footage reviewed by law enforcement shows the inmates tampering with the cell door and escaping through a loading dock. Notably, a jail employee witnessed the escape via surveillance but failed to report it, leading to the suspension of three sheriff’s office employees without pay.
The Orleans Parish Prison, which typically houses around 1,400 inmates, includes many high-security prisoners who require strict housing environments. Among the escapees, at least three are charged with severe offenses, such as attempted murder and armed robbery. The Louisiana Attorney General’s Office is now leading the investigation into the jailbreak, which was prompted by action from the state governor.
Gov. Jeff Landry has stated that there are no excuses for the escape and the associated mismanagement within the criminal justice system. As the focus remains on recapturing the remaining escapees, there are ongoing discussions about potential systemic reforms at the Orleans Justice Center to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Residents of New Orleans find themselves on high alert as the situation develops, with law enforcement agencies continuing their extensive search for the escaped inmates while addressing the broader issues surrounding the facility’s management and security protocols.
The manhunt for the remaining escapees highlights serious concerns regarding the safety and efficiency of the criminal justice system in New Orleans, prompting both immediate action and a deeper examination of current practices and policies in the area.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Ongoing Manhunt for Escaped Inmates in New Orleans Jail
Escaped Inmates Raise Safety Concerns in New Orleans
New Orleans on High Alert as Authorities Pursue Escaped Fugitives
Girlfriend of Inmate Arrested for Aiding Escape from Orleans Justice Center
Former Sheriff’s Office Employee Arrested for Escape Plot
Man Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter in New Orleans Shooting
Girlfriend of Escaped Inmate Arrested in Conspiracy Case
Former Sheriff’s Office Employee Arrested for Jailbreak
Dramatic Jailbreak at Orleans Parish Correctional Facility
Daring Inmates Escape from Orleans Justice Center
Additional Resources
- WDSU: New Orleans Escaped Inmates Update
- Wikipedia: New Orleans Jailbreak
- NOLA: Jailbreak Week Four – Latest News
- Google Search: New Orleans Inmates Escape
- AP News: New Orleans Jailbreak
- Encyclopedia Britannica: New Orleans Jailbreak
- CNN: New Orleans Jailbreak – Third Arrest
- Google News: Jail Escape New Orleans
