The audacious escape from Orleans Parish Prison captured in surveillance footage.
Nine of the ten inmates who escaped from Orleans Parish Prison have pleaded not guilty during their arraignment related to the daring jailbreak. The escape, described as one of the largest in recent U.S. history, involved breaching a cell wall and exploiting security blind spots. Following the escape, a manhunt led to the recapture of several inmates, while one remains at large. This incident has raised significant concerns about prison security, prompting investigations and aiding arrests, including that of a maintenance worker potentially implicated in the escape.
New Orleans – Nine of the ten inmates who escaped from Orleans Parish Prison on May 16 pleaded not guilty to charges related to the jailbreak during an arraignment held on July 23. This escape has been described as one of the largest and most audacious prison breaks in recent U.S. history. The hearing took place at the maximum-security Louisiana State Penitentiary, where the nine inmates are currently being held.
The daring escape involved breaching a cell wall and taking advantage of a blind spot in the prison’s security system, allowing the inmates to flee undetected in the early hours of May 16. The jailbreak went unnoticed for over seven hours until a routine morning headcount revealed that the inmates were missing, prompting an immediate investigation.
Surveillance footage later captured the escapees climbing a barbed wire fence and sprinting across Interstate 10 into a nearby neighborhood. Subsequent searches in the area led to the discovery of discarded prison clothing. Law enforcement quickly initiated a manhunt, resulting in the recapture of three inmates on the same day as the escape and five others over the following weeks. The last of these inmates was apprehended in late June. Derrick Groves, a convicted killer, remains the only escapee still at large.
Alongside the charges of simple escape, which come with a possible sentence of two to five years, the nine inmates have a history of prior criminal charges, including murder, aggravated assault, and domestic abuse. An investigation highlighted significant security vulnerabilities at the prison, igniting a multi-state manhunt and leading to the arrest of at least 16 individuals suspected of aiding the escapees, many of whom are rumored to be family members of the inmates.
One particular case that has drawn attention is that of jail maintenance worker Sterling Williams, who allegedly played a role in the escape by shutting off the water supply to a cell. His involvement has led to multiple charges against him. Additionally, while on the run, inmate Antoine Massey utilized social media to post videos claiming his innocence and soliciting help from celebrities.
In connection to Groves, Darriana Burton has been implicated in aiding his evasion. A judge has set her bond at a substantial $2.5 million after her alleged involvement came to light. The next court date for the nine inmates who pleaded not guilty is scheduled for September 3, where further proceedings will take place.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety and security measures in place at the Orleans Parish Prison. Attorney General Liz Murrill noted that video evidence substantiates claims that the inmates did not flee towards court hearings, further complicating the narrative surrounding their escape. Graffiti left above the escape hole contained phrases like “Too easy lol” and “Catch us when you can,” reflecting a brazen attitude among the inmates regarding their escape.
This case continues to evolve, with implications for prison reform and law enforcement practices in handling escapes and ensuring the security of correctional facilities. As the legal proceedings unfold, both the state and the public are left grappling with the implications of this high-profile jailbreak and the critical issues it has exposed.
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