Ten Inmates Escape from New Orleans Jail

A startling prison break occurred early Friday morning at a detention facility in New Orleans, involving nearly a dozen inmates. Captured on video, the escape saw ten inmates flee from their cells, scaling a fence and darting across an interstate, ultimately evading capture for several hours. Authorities have reported serious security concerns at the facility, including low staffing levels and potentially malfunctioning doors, prompting investigations into the incident.

The Escape Incident

Early on Friday morning, surveillance footage revealed a group of ten inmates at the Orleans Parish Prison executing a well-coordinated escape plan. The video, which was not actively monitored at the time, shows the inmates breaking out of their cell and quickly making their way toward a perimeter fence. They utilized makeshift devices, such as blankets, to shield themselves from the barbed wire that separated them from freedom. Notably, they crossed interstate traffic before changing their clothes in a nearby neighborhood, illustrating a boldness and level of planning that alarms authorities.

The escape went undetected for several hours, raising immediate concerns about the management and operations of the detention facility. A routine headcount conducted later in the morning at approximately 8:30 a.m. confirmed their absence, prompting a rapid response from law enforcement.

Security Breaches Identified

A thorough review of security conditions at the prison has revealed significant lapses. Authorities indicated that the facility was operating with only 60% of its necessary staffing levels. At the time of the escape, just four supervisors and a total of thirty-six staff were in charge of over 1,400 inmates. This alarming ratio raises questions about the efficacy of oversight in such a high-danger environment.

Moreover, officials noted that the prison’s cell doors were reported as faulty. Chief of Corrections Jeworski “Jay” Mallett emphasized during a press briefing that the hole used for the escape, which appeared to be hidden behind a toilet, was under investigation to determine if it was pre-existing or created by the inmates themselves. Mallett stated,

“We know that this could not be removed from the inside, so we are investigating that to see exactly who entered these areas, what kind of work was done, if there was work being done and if this is an inside job.”

Charges Against Escapees

The escaped inmates are not only facing charges of escape but also have previous accusations involving serious violent offenses. Among the escapees is Kendell Myles, 20, who had been charged with second-degree murder and was later apprehended hiding beneath a car. Others, such as Gary C. Price and Corey E. Boyd, face multiple counts including attempted murder and domestic violence. This mix of violent offenders in a minimum-security facility raises profound concerns about risk management within the prison system.

As of the latest updates, law enforcement agencies are actively pursuing the remaining escapees. The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office announced that anyone found aiding these criminals would be charged as an accomplice, indicating that public cooperation would be critical in recapturing them.

Investigation and Response

In the aftermath of the escape, law enforcement, including local police and state officials, has ramped up their efforts. Reports indicated that over two hundred officers are involved in the search for the fugitive inmates, including specialized support from the FBI and U.S. Marshals. Community safety remains a priority for officials, who are keen on containing the potential threats posed by the escaped inmates.

In a statement reflecting on the situation, Attorney General Liz Murrill criticized the response protocol, highlighting that information about the escape was not promptly communicated to the public until several hours after the initial discovery.

“This is beyond unacceptable, and once these offenders are back in custody, there must be real accountability,”

she stated, calling for a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape.

Community Impact and Public Appeal

With the escaped inmates still at large, community safety is of paramount concern. Anne Kirkpatrick, Superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department, urged the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activities or sightings related to the escapees immediately. The urgency of the situation was echoed in her outreach, as officials circulated descriptions and photos to inform residents. Authorities have even offered a reward for information leading to recapturing the inmates, demonstrating the high stakes involved.

In closing, the impact of this escape extends far beyond the immediate risk to public safety; it raises questions regarding systemic issues within the prison management and the broader implications for community trust in law enforcement institutions.

Summary

The escape of ten inmates from the Orleans Parish Prison has sparked significant alarm among law enforcement and the community. Amid security breaches and low staffing levels, the event raises serious questions about prison management. As authorities mount a broad search effort with public assistance, the repercussions of this incident could lead to systemic changes within the criminal justice system in Louisiana.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What triggered the inmates’ escape from the New Orleans jail?

The escape was triggered by a breach facilitated by a hole in their cell that allowed the inmates to flee undetected, compounded by inadequate staff oversight at the facility.

Question: How is law enforcement responding to the escape?

Law enforcement is responding through an extensive search involving over 200 officers and collaboration with specialized agencies like the FBI and U.S. Marshals.

Question: What security issues contributed to the escape?

Key security issues included faulty cell doors and severe staffing shortages, with only a fraction of the required personnel monitoring a large group of inmates.