Manhunt Underway After Eleven Inmates Escape New Orleans Jail

NEW ORLEANS, La. — An urgent manhunt is underway after eleven inmates escaped from the Orleans Justice Center early Friday morning. The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office reported the escape was discovered at about 8:30 a.m. during a routine headcount.

Sheriff Susan Hutson described the incident as “very serious and unacceptable” during a press conference. She stated that her office is collaborating with local, state, and federal agencies in a full-scale search operation to locate the escapees.

Of the eleven inmates, ten remain at large following the escape. They are considered armed and dangerous. The inmates who escaped include Antoine Massey, Lenton Vanburen, Leo Tate, Kendell Myles, Derrick Groves, Jermain Donald, Corey Boyd, Gary Price, Robert Moody, Decannon Dennis, and Keith Lewis.

Kendell Myles has since been captured by Louisiana State Police. He was found in a French Quarter parking garage, with authorities using facial recognition technology to locate him, according to reports.

The Orleans Justice Center, located less than three miles from the French Quarter, houses both pretrial detainees and sentenced individuals. Details regarding how the escape occurred have not been fully disclosed. However, a source mentioned that the inmates may have dug a hole to facilitate their escape, possibly beneath a toilet.

A full internal investigation into the incident has been initiated, focusing on facility protocols and staff performance standards. Sheriff Hutson emphasized that anyone found to have assisted in the escape will face consequences.

This story is still developing, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.