Urgent Update: New Orleans Jail Escape Manhunt Underway

Q: How did the inmates manage to escape

The inmates removed a toilet fixture breached the wall behind it accessed a maintenance corridor climbed the perimeter wall using blankets to avoid barbed wire and fled the facility

Q: Were any inmates recaptured after the escape

Yes one inmate named Kendell Myles has been recaptured while nine others remain at large and are considered armed and dangerous

Q: What security lapses contributed to the escape

Key factors included defective locks the absence of the designated guard at the time of escape understaffing at about 60 capacity and suspected inside assistance

Q: How is law enforcement responding to the escape

A largescale manhunt is underway involving local authorities the FBI and US Marshals with ongoing investigations and community safety alerts

Q: Are the escapees considered dangerous

Yes many of the escapees face serious charges including seconddegree murder and are regarded as armed and dangerous

Q: What measures are being taken to prevent future escapes

The Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office is reviewing security protocols staffing levels and infrastructure to improve oversight and prevent future incidents

Q: Have any jail staff been implicated in the escape

Three employees of the Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office have been suspended pending investigations into potential involvement or negligence related to the escape

New Orleans, LA – A dramatic New Orleans jail escape unfolded early on Friday, May 16, 2025, when 10 inmates managed to break out of the Orleans Justice Center through a hole they created behind a toilet in their cell. The breakout went unnoticed for over seven hours, only coming to light during a routine headcount at approximately 8:30 a.m.

How the Escape Happened

During this New Orleans jail escape, the inmates removed a toilet fixture and breached the wall behind it, gaining access to a maintenance corridor or pipe chase. From there, they made their way to a loading dock area and climbed a perimeter wall surrounding the facility. To avoid razor-sharp barbed wire atop the wall, the escapees reportedly used blankets as makeshift protection. After scaling the wall, they fled across the nearby Interstate 10 highway.

Adding a taunting touch to the New Orleans jail escape, the inmates left graffiti near the route with messages such as “To Easy LOL” and “Catch us when you can,” showing a brazen disregard for authorities.

Security Failures and Staffing Issues

This New Orleans jail escape exposed glaring security lapses within the Orleans Justice Center. At the time of the breakout, the designated guard responsible for the pod had stepped away to get food, leaving only a civilian technician to monitor the inmates. Officials cited defective locks and suspected inside assistance as key factors that enabled the escape.

Furthermore, the jail was operating at only about 60% of its staffing capacity, raising serious concerns about oversight and security protocols. Three employees have been suspended as part of an ongoing investigation into potential complicity or negligence related to the New Orleans jail escape.

The Escapees and Ongoing Manhunt

The 10 inmates who escaped are considered armed and dangerous. Several face serious charges, including second-degree murder. One inmate, Kendell Myles, has been recaptured, but the remaining nine remain at large.

Authorities have launched a massive manhunt involving federal and local law enforcement agencies. Residents have been urged to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity immediately during this critical time following the New Orleans jail escape.

Response and Investigation

The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office is reviewing the jail’s security systems and staffing procedures to prevent any future incidents. Federal agencies are assisting with the investigation and search efforts.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges correctional facilities face regarding understaffing, aging infrastructure, and internal security vulnerabilities. Officials have pledged to urgently address these issues and restore public confidence.

Conclusion

The New Orleans jail escape of 10 inmates from the Orleans Justice Center has exposed significant security weaknesses. With a large-scale manhunt underway and investigations ongoing, authorities are racing to apprehend the dangerous fugitives and implement stronger safeguards to protect the community.

FAQ

What happened during the New Orleans jail escape?

Ten inmates escaped from the Orleans Justice Center by creating a hole behind a toilet in their cell, breaching a wall, and fleeing across a perimeter wall and nearby highway.

How did the inmates manage to escape?

The inmates removed a toilet fixture, breached the wall behind it, accessed a maintenance corridor, climbed the perimeter wall using blankets to avoid barbed wire, and fled the facility.

When was the New Orleans jail escape discovered?

The escape went unnoticed for over seven hours and was only discovered during a routine headcount around 8:30 a.m. on May 16, 2025.

Were any inmates recaptured after the escape?

Yes, one inmate named Kendell Myles has been recaptured, while nine others remain at large and are considered armed and dangerous.

What security lapses contributed to the escape?

Key factors included defective locks, the absence of the designated guard at the time of escape, understaffing at about 60% capacity, and suspected inside assistance.

How is law enforcement responding to the escape?

A large-scale manhunt is underway involving local authorities, the FBI, and U.S. Marshals, with ongoing investigations and community safety alerts.

Are the escapees considered dangerous?

Yes, many of the escapees face serious charges, including second-degree murder, and are regarded as armed and dangerous.

What measures are being taken to prevent future escapes?

The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office is reviewing security protocols, staffing levels, and infrastructure to improve oversight and prevent future incidents.

Have any jail staff been implicated in the escape?

Three employees of the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office have been suspended pending investigations into potential involvement or negligence related to the escape.

What should the public do if they see any of the escapees?

Residents are urged to report any suspicious activity immediately to law enforcement and avoid confronting the escapees, as they are considered dangerous.