News Summary
Seven out of ten inmates who escaped from Orleans Parish Prison are still at large as law enforcement intensifies their search. The jailbreak on May 16 involved inmates breaking a faulty cell door and removing plumbing fixtures. Alarmingly, questions of inside assistance have arisen after a staff member witnessed the incident without alerting authorities. With many of the escapees linked to serious crimes, including murder, the pursuit continues with a reward of up to $7,000 for information leading to their capture.
New Orleans – Seven of the ten inmates who escaped from Orleans Parish Prison early on May 16 are still on the run as law enforcement continues its search. The jailbreak occurred around 1 a.m., when the inmates broke off a faulty cell door and removed a toilet and sink unit from a wall to make their exit. The alarming situation has raised concerns about potential inside assistance, particularly after a jail employee reportedly witnessed the escape but failed to notify authorities.
The escapees have been linked to serious crimes, with some charged with murder, which intensifies the urgency of their recapture. By the morning of May 17, three of the inmates—Kendell Myles, Robert Moody, and Dkenan Dennis—had been recaptured, prompting Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry to remind the public they are actively pursuing the remaining fugitives. A hefty reward of up to $7,000 has been announced for information leading to the capture of the other seven inmates, who include Corey Boyd, Leo Tate, Jermaine Donald, Derrick Groves, Lenton Vanburen, Antoine T. Massey, and Gary C. Price.
Investigation and Public Safety
Security footage from the prison revealed the escapees scaling walls and running across a nearby highway, prompting law enforcement to urge the public to stay vigilant and report any sightings. The three recaptured inmates are now facing multiple felony charges, including attempted second-degree murder, aggravated assault, and armed robbery, while at least four of the escaped individuals were charged with murder or attempted murder.
Issues at Orleans Parish Prison
The situation has drawn attention to ongoing issues within Orleans Parish Prison, which has faced longstanding criticism regarding its infrastructure and security. Opened in 1837, the facility is reported to be in serious need of repairs, particularly concerning functioning doors and locks. Sheriff Susan Hutson has indicated that the prison houses high-security inmates who require a more secure environment, a need that has not been adequately met. Prior to the escape, there was a push to transfer numerous inmates to more secure locations.
Broader Context and Future Implications
The breakout has reignited conversations surrounding the challenges facing correctional facilities in the U.S., including staffing shortages and outdated infrastructure. While escapes do occur across the country regularly, high-profile cases involving serious offenders are less common. In a related incident earlier this year, Khalil Bryan was also apprehended after he was mistakenly released from Orleans Parish Prison.
In addition to the search for the escapees, authorities have already charged a former prison employee and several other individuals for allegedly aiding the inmates in their escape. Though it remains unconfirmed whether the escapees themselves will face additional charges related to their breakout, the ongoing manhunt and investigation underscore the complexities of maintaining security in correctional facilities.
The situation remains fluid, and law enforcement is committed to recapturing the escaped inmates and ensuring the safety of the community. Local authorities, alongside state officials, continue to work diligently to address the ongoing challenges within the prison system, seeking solutions to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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Additional Resources
- WWLTV: New Orleans Jail Escape
- NOLA: New Orleans Jail Escape Court Charges
- CBS News: New Orleans Mistakenly Released Inmate
- Google Search: New Orleans Jail Escape
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Orleans Parish Prison
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.
