A massive New Orleans jailbreak has sparked a citywide manhunt as seven inmates remain at large following a daring escape from the Orleans Justice Center on Friday, May 16, 2025. The escape, reminiscent of a Hollywood thriller, involved prisoners breaching a wall behind a toilet and exploiting security lapses to flee the facility.
The Escape
In the early hours of Friday, ten inmates managed to escape their cells by removing a toilet and accessing a hole in the wall behind it. They navigated through a pipe chase, reached a loading dock, and scaled a wall using blankets to bypass barbed wire. The escape went unnoticed until a routine headcount at 8:30 a.m., approximately seven hours later. Surveillance footage captured the escape, but a jail employee monitoring the cameras failed to report the incident promptly.
The Escapees
The ten escapees, aged between 19 and 42, were facing serious charges, including murder, armed robbery, and assault. As of now, three have been recaptured: Kendell Myles, Robert Moody, and Dkenan Dennis. The remaining seven—Antoine Massey, Corey Boyd, Derrick Groves, Gary Price, Jermaine Donald, Lenton Vanburen, and Leo Tate—are still at large and considered dangerous.
The Manhunt
Local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies have joined forces in the search for the fugitives. The FBI has offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to each escapee’s capture, while Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry announced an additional $20,000 per inmate, bringing the total reward to $30,000 for each fugitive.
Authorities believe the escapees may still be in Louisiana and have urged the public to remain vigilant. Residents are advised not to approach the fugitives but to report any sightings to law enforcement immediately.
Investigations and Repercussions
The escape has prompted intense scrutiny of the Orleans Justice Center’s security protocols and management. Governor Landry has ordered an audit of the facility and the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office. Three jail employees have been suspended pending investigation into their roles in the escape.
Sheriff Susan Hutson acknowledged the possibility of internal assistance in the escape, citing defective locks and potential staff involvement. She has pledged full accountability and emphasized the need for systemic reforms to prevent future incidents.
Public Safety and Next Steps
The New Orleans jailbreak has raised concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in New Orleans. Officials are working to address these issues through comprehensive investigations and policy reforms. The public is encouraged to stay informed and cooperate with law enforcement efforts to apprehend the remaining fugitives.
For updates on the manhunt and information on how to report sightings, residents can visit the official websites of the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Louisiana State Police.
Following MEFeater on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.
