A massive manhunt is underway in Louisiana as seven fugitives remain on the run following a shocking escape from the Orleans Parish Justice Center. Ten inmates made a daring break for freedom on Friday, but only three have been recaptured so far… leaving residents and law enforcement on high alert.
Officials believe the jailbreak was an inside job, citing critical security failures and possible employee involvement. Video surveillance footage later revealed the inmates escaping through a cleverly concealed hole in a cell wall… thought to have been hidden behind a toilet… before scaling fences, dodging barbed wire using blankets, and disappearing into a nearby neighborhood after changing clothes.
The fugitives still at large include suspects charged with murder, domestic violence, and burglary:
- Jermaine Donald, 42
- Antoine Massey, 33
- Leo Tate, 31
- Lenton Vanburen, 27
- Derrick Groves, 27
- Gary Price, 21
- Corey Boyd, 19
Authorities are warning that some of the escapees may have fled the state, and are urging the public to stay alert, avoid contact, and report any sightings immediately. The FBI has committed additional resources to the search and is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to their capture.
So far, three jail staff members have been suspended pending an investigation. One female employee reportedly left her post to get food and missed the breakout entirely. Officials say video feeds were not actively monitored, and the escape was only discovered hours later during a routine headcount.
Inmates even left behind graffiti mocking the security lapse, scrawling messages like “Too Easy LOL” and “WE INNOCENT” near the escape route.
Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson acknowledged the likelihood of internal assistance, and Attorney General Liz Murrill has demanded a full investigation, stating… “We clearly dropped the ball… there’s no excuse for this.”
