A manhunt is underway after ten inmates escaped from a New Orleans jail early Friday morning by slipping through a hole hidden behind a toilet, raising serious questions about jail security and potential inside help.
The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office reported the escape began around 12:22 a.m. when inmates tampered with a cell door.
Surveillance footage showed the group entering the compromised cell and escaping through a hole in the wall behind a toilet fixture.
They exited via a loading dock, climbed a barbed-wire fence using blankets, and fled toward nearby railroad tracks and Interstate 10.
“We have made progress,” said Orleans Parish Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick, confirming that three of the escapees have since been captured. Kendell Myles, charged with attempted second-degree murder, was found hiding beneath a vehicle in a French Quarter hotel garage.
Robert Moody was also arrested later that day, though officials have not released details about his capture.
A third inmate, Dkenan Dennis, was apprehended near Chef Menteur Highway.
Eight inmates remain at large, including four accused of second-degree murder: Corey Boyd, Lenton Vanburen, Jermaine Donald, and Derrick Groves. Initial reports claimed 11 inmates had escaped, but authorities later clarified that one had been transferred to another cell and did not flee.
Sheriff Susan Hutson stated the escape went undetected until a routine headcount at 8:30 a.m. State and federal law enforcement agencies were alerted shortly afterward, and New Orleans police were notified by 10:30 a.m.
Investigators suspect the escape may have been assisted by someone inside the facility.
“It’s almost impossible to escape from this facility without assistance,” Hutson noted, adding that malfunctioning cell locks might have contributed to the breach.
Orange jail uniforms believed to have been discarded by the escapees were found in a nearby neighborhood, indicating they may have changed clothes shortly after fleeing.
Authorities are continuing to investigate and track down the remaining fugitives. The public is urged to stay alert and report any suspicious activity.