A manhunt is underway in New Orleans after ten inmates escaped from jail early Friday morning, slipping through a hole behind a toilet in a coordinated and alarming jailbreak that has raised questions about internal security failures.
According to the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, the escape began around 12:22 a.m. when the inmates tampered with a cell door and accessed a compromised cell. Surveillance footage shows them disappearing through a hole in the wall behind a toilet, then making their way out via a loading dock.
They reportedly scaled a barbed-wire fence using blankets and fled toward nearby railroad tracks and Interstate 10.
“This was a calculated escape,” said Orleans Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick, who confirmed that three inmates have since been recaptured.
Among them is Kendell Myles, charged with attempted second-degree murder, who was found hiding under a vehicle in a French Quarter hotel garage. Robert Moody was arrested later that day, although details of his capture remain undisclosed. A third escapee, Dkenan Dennis, was located near Chef Menteur Highway.
Authorities initially believed 11 inmates had escaped but later clarified one had simply been relocated. Eight remain at large, including four charged with second-degree murder: Corey Boyd, Lenton Vanburen, Jermaine Donald, and Derrick Groves.
Sheriff Susan Hutson said the escape wasn’t discovered until a routine headcount at 8:30 a.m.—over eight hours later. Federal and state agencies were alerted, with local police receiving word by 10:30 a.m.
Officials suspect inside help and malfunctioning cell locks played a role. “Escaping from this facility without help is nearly impossible,” Hutson noted.
Discarded orange jumpsuits were later found in a nearby neighborhood, suggesting the escapees changed clothes shortly after fleeing.
The search continues, and authorities urge the public to remain alert and report any suspicious activity.
