A shocking security lapse at the Orleans Justice Center in New Orleans has led to the escape of 10 dangerous inmates , sparking a citywide manhunt and raising urgent questions about jail safety protocols. The incident, which unfolded in the early hours of May 16, 2025, has left authorities scrambling to locate the fugitives, one of whom was already charged with attempted murder before fleeing.
How the Escape Unfolded: A Detailed Timeline
Breaching the Wall Behind a Toilet
At approximately 12:20 a.m. , the inmates began dismantling a cell fixture, leveraging toiletries in a handicap-accessible cell to remove bolts and fixtures. By 1 a.m. , they had successfully breached a wall behind a toilet, creating a hole large enough to escape through. Surveillance footage revealed the group exiting via a supply-room door, scaling a wall, and crossing an interstate highway.
A cryptic message left at the scene—”To Easy LoL “—with an arrow pointing toward the escape route has baffled investigators. The phrase suggests premeditation or insider knowledge of the facility’s vulnerabilities.
Discovery and Response
The escape went undetected until 8:30 a.m. , when staff conducting a routine headcount noticed the missing inmates. A corrections officer on duty immediately notified leadership, triggering alerts to the U.S. Marshals Service and New Orleans Police Department by 9:30 a.m.
Sheriff Susan Hutson described the situation as “fluid,” emphasizing the challenge of securing the facility’s 1,400 inmates while launching an internal investigation. “There are deficiencies in these facilities that cause public safety concerns,” she stated during a press conference.
Inside Help Suspected: A Systemic Failure?
Defective Locks and Security Lapses
The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office (OPSO) confirmed that defective cell locks played a critical role in the escape. Despite a nightly 10:30 p.m. lockdown, the inmates exploited mechanical flaws to dismantle their cell infrastructure.
Chief of Corrections Jay Mallett revealed that the inmates used tools or methods that should not have been accessible from inside the cell. “We know that this could not be removed from the inside,” he said. “We are investigating whether this is an inside job.”
Internal Investigation and Political Fallout
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill condemned the incident as a catastrophic failure: “Someone clearly dropped the ball and there’s no excuse for this.” Governor Jeff Landry praised the swift capture of one fugitive but stressed the need for accountability.
Authorities are now reviewing staff records, surveillance footage, and maintenance logs to identify potential accomplices. Sheriff Hutson acknowledged the possibility of insider assistance, stating, “It’s almost impossible for anybody to get out of this facility without help from the outside.”
Profiles of the Escaped Inmates
The 10 fugitives face severe charges, including murder, aggravated assault, and firearm violations. Their names and alleged crimes include:
- Corey Boyd – Aggravated assault with a firearm
- Dkenan Dennis – Murder
- Jermaine Donald – False imprisonment with a weapon
- Derrick Groves – Armed robbery
- Antoine Massey – Homicide
- Robert Moody – Attempted murder
- Kendell Myles – Attempted second-degree murder (recaptured)
- Gary Price – Drug trafficking
- Leo Tate – Manslaughter
- Lenton Vanburen – Felony firearm possession
Kendell Myles: First Capture
Kendell Myles, who was apprehended within hours of the escape, allegedly fled to a hotel parking garage, where deputies found him hiding under a vehicle. He remains in custody with a new charge of simple escape .
Authorities Mobilize for Manhunt
Local and state law enforcement agencies, including the Louisiana State Police and U.S. Marshals, have launched a coordinated effort to recapture the remaining nine inmates. Sheriff Hutson urged residents to remain vigilant: “The remaining individuals are still being actively pursued… they are considered armed and dangerous.”
Residents are advised to report sightings via Crime Stoppers or 911. The sheriff’s office has released photos and detailed profiles of the fugitives to aid in their location.
Public Safety Concerns and Calls for Reform
The incident has reignited debates over Louisiana’s overcrowded and underfunded correctional facilities. Critics argue that systemic neglect—such as the defective locks cited in this case—has created a ticking time bomb for public safety.
“This is a crisis,” said one local advocacy group. “When jails fail, communities suffer. We need immediate investment in infrastructure and oversight.”
Historical Context: A Pattern of Escapes?
While rare, this is not the first high-profile escape from a Louisiana jail. In 2019, two inmates fled a Baton Rouge facility by cutting through a ceiling, prompting reforms that critics say were insufficient.
Ongoing Investigation: What’s Next?
OPSO is working with state auditors to overhaul security protocols, including replacing locks and enhancing staff training. Sheriff Hutson emphasized transparency: “We will investigate our own to find out exactly what happened and where those lapses were.”
Meanwhile, the FBI has opened a parallel inquiry into potential federal crimes linked to the escape.
Community Impact
Residents of New Orleans expressed fear and frustration. “This is terrifying,” said one local business owner. “Who’s watching our backs if the jail can’t hold criminals?” Others praised law enforcement’s rapid response but called for long-term solutions.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Jail Security
The New Orleans jail escape underscores a dire need for systemic reform in correctional facilities nationwide. With nine violent offenders still at large and evidence pointing to internal collusion, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting prison infrastructure and oversight.
As the manhunt continues, authorities urge the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activity. Updates will follow as this developing story unfolds.
FAQs
Q: How did the inmates escape the Orleans Justice Center?
A: They breached a wall behind a toilet using tools fashioned from toiletries, exited through a supply-room door, scaled a wall, and crossed an interstate.
Q: Who has been recaptured so far?
A: Kendell Myles, who was hiding under a car in a hotel parking garage.
Q: What are the charges against the escaped inmates?
A: Charges include murder, aggravated assault, firearm violations, and drug trafficking.
Q: Is there evidence of inside help?
A: Yes. Officials cite defective locks and the phrase “To Easy LoL” as indicators of premeditation or insider knowledge.
Q: How can the public assist authorities?
A: Report sightings via Crime Stoppers or 911.
