Eleven inmates—several facing charges for murder, attempted murder, and armed robbery—escaped from the Orleans Parish Justice Center Friday morning by cutting a hole in a wall and crawling through the facility’s infrastructure, authorities confirmed.
During an 8:30 a.m. headcount, jail staff discovered the prisoners were missing. Sheriff Susan Hutson called the escape “a very serious and unacceptable situation” at a Friday press conference, as local, state, and federal agencies launched a coordinated manhunt.
The inmates, described as violent and dangerous, reportedly made their way through a hole cut in a wall, into a pipe chase, onto a loading dock, over the jail wall, and across the interstate.
Photos of the escape route show graffiti scrawled on the wall next to the hole. The messages?
“Too Easy, LOL,”
“We innocent,”
and “Catch us when you can.”
Ten Inmates Still on the Run After Orleans Parish Jailbreak
Kendall Myles, 20, was captured Friday afternoon after a foot chase in the French Quarter, according to Louisiana State Police. Myles is a repeat escapee—he previously fled from the Bridge City Center in 2022 and was later indicted in an attempted murder and carjacking case, in which he allegedly shot a man twice before stealing his vehicle.
Gov. Jeff Landry praised the capture of Myles on social media: “To the other 10: YOU ARE NEXT!”
The other ten inmates remain at large as of Friday evening. Jail records show that at least four of them face murder or attempted murder charges, with others charged with armed robbery, aggravated assault with a firearm, battery, drug offenses, and false imprisonment.
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Investigation and Fallout
Sheriff Hutson said her office has launched a full investigation into how the escape occurred and whether staff oversight or infrastructure failure played a role. Officials are working with the Louisiana Department of Corrections, state police, and the FBI in the ongoing operation.
“We’re urging the public to remain alert and report anything suspicious,” Hutson said. “Do not attempt to engage or approach the escapees under any circumstances.”
The escapees were identified as:
- Antoine Massey, domestic abuse and theft
- Lenton Venburen, illegal carrying of weapon
- Leo Tate, burglary, illegal carrying of weapon
- Kendell Myles, intentional concealment of weapon
- Derrick Groves, murder, attempted murder
- Jermaine Donald, murder, aggravated battery
- Corey Boyd, murder, attempted murder, aggravated battery
- Gary Price, three counts of attempted murder
- Robert Moody
- Dkenan Dennis
A Bigger Problem?
The breach raises serious questions about security protocols at Orleans Parish’s notoriously troubled jail system. The fact that 11 inmates—many with violent charges—could cut a hole in a wall, leave graffiti mocking staff, and disappear into the city undetected is likely to spark broader scrutiny.
The investigation is ongoing, and officials have not ruled out disciplinary action or additional arrests tied to the escape.
