In a dramatic turn of events, law enforcement officials in Louisiana have apprehended four inmates who had recently escaped from the Orleans Justice Center, while six others remain at large. The Louisiana Department of Public Safety has released booking images of the captured individuals, who face multiple charges, including simple escape and other serious crimes. Meanwhile, an Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office employee has been arrested for allegedly aiding the inmates in their escape.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) Inmates Capture and Current Status |
| 2) Employee’s Alleged Involvement |
| 3) Ongoing Investigation and Public Safety Concerns |
| 4) Profiles of Remaining Escapees |
| 5) Accountability and Community Response |
Inmates Capture and Current Status
On May 16, the Louisiana Department of Public Safety reported the arrest of four inmates—Kendell Myles, Robert Moody, Gary Price, and Dkenan Dennis—who escaped from the Orleans Justice Center. These inmates are now facing additional charges including simple escape, possession of a controlled substance, and unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling. Of the original group of ten escapees, six remain at large, igniting a widespread manhunt across New Orleans.
Gary Price was the first of the escapees to be recaptured, apprehended shortly after his departure from the facility. Initially charged with attempted first-degree murder, domestic abuse, and aggravated assault, Price’s current charges elevate the severity of his legal situation. Meanwhile, Kendell Myles was discovered hiding under a car in a hotel parking lot, an indication of the lengths to which these individuals went to evade capture.
Employee’s Alleged Involvement
In a troubling development, Sterling Williams, a 33-year-old employee of the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, was arrested on charges related to facilitating the escape. Officials allege that Williams, rather than reporting the escapees, directly assisted them by shutting off water to their cell. This action has drawn significant scrutiny not only toward Williams but also toward the management of the jail.
According to Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, Williams allegedly stated that he was coerced into assisting the escapees under threat of violence. Specifically, he claimed that they threatened to “shank” him if he did not facilitate their escape. This statement raises serious concerns regarding the safety of personnel within correctional facilities, as well as the potential for systemic issues within the management of the Orleans Justice Center.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Safety Concerns
The investigation into this escape remains active and ongoing. Louisiana officials have made it clear that anyone who helped the inmates escape will face prosecution to the fullest extent of the law. Murrill has called for anyone with information related to the escape to come forward and assist in resolving the situation. “We will uncover all the facts eventually,” she stated, underscoring the seriousness of the ongoing inquiry.
The public’s safety is a significant concern with six fugitives still on the loose. Authorities are collaborating in an extensive effort to apprehend these individuals, particularly given the violent charges associated with many of them. The New Orleans community has been urged to remain vigilant, and many fear that the escape may lead to further criminal activity in the area.
Profiles of Remaining Escapees
Among those still at large is Derrick Groves, a 27-year-old convict who was previously found guilty of two murders committed on Mardi Gras in 2018. He was awaiting sentencing at the time of his escape. Groves, alongside other fugitives, has a history of serious criminal behavior, contributing to the urgency of their capture.
The remaining escapees also include Corey E. Boyd, Lenton J. Vanburen Jr., Jermaine Donald, Antoine Massey, and Leo O. Tate Sr. Each of these individuals faces grave charges including second-degree murder, illegal possession of firearms, and obstruction of justice. Their continued freedom poses a critical threat to public safety, and law enforcement is keen to apprehend them swiftly.
Accountability and Community Response
In response to the jailbreak, Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson expressed deep concern over the failure of the jail’s operations. During a recent statement to the New Orleans City Council, Hutson took “full accountability” for the matter. “This breach happened under my leadership and occurred on my watch,” she said, acknowledging the need for urgent action and greater transparency.
Community leaders and residents have raised questions about the procedures in place for inmate supervision and the safeguards within the facility. The trust between law enforcement and the local population has been shaken, prompting calls for reform. Many hope that this incident will lead to broader changes in correctional facility operations to prevent future escapes.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | Four inmates have been recaptured while six remain at large following a jailbreak in New Orleans. |
| 2 | An Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office employee has been arrested for allegedly aiding the escapees. |
| 3 | The investigation is ongoing, with officials urging the public to provide information. |
| 4 | Derrick Groves, one of the escapees, is awaiting sentencing for double murder; other escapees face serious charges. |
| 5 | Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson has taken responsibility for the escape, calling for transparency and reform. |
Summary
The escape from the Orleans Justice Center raises serious questions about the protocols in place at the facility and casts a shadow over community safety. With four inmates apprehended but six still on the run, the urgency of the manhunt highlights the implications of such an escape on local law enforcement and the community at large. The ongoing investigation promises to hold accountable not only the escapees but also those involved in their facilitation. Moving forward, the community and law enforcement must work together to ensure justice and prevent future breaches of security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How many inmates escaped from the Orleans Justice Center?
A total of ten inmates escaped from the facility, though four have since been recaptured.
Question: What charges do the escapees face?
The escapees face a variety of serious charges, including murder, attempted murder, and possession of illegal firearms.
Question: What is being done to improve the security at the jail?
Following the jailbreak, officials are reviewing security protocols and procedures in place at the Orleans Justice Center to prevent future incidents.
