Nine violent inmates roam free after jaw-dropping prison break as shocking details emerge on how the were able to break out
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Nine dangerous inmates remain at large after a shocking escape from a Louisiana prison as authorities say the group may have received help from someone inside the facility.
Around 8.30am Friday morning, 10 inmates considered 'armed and dangerous' were discovered missing during a routine head count at Orleans Parish Jail, according to the New Orleans Police Department.
According to Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson, the inmates managed to escape from their cell after breaching a wall behind a toilet. Authorities believe that they fled shortly after midnight, and may have had 'inside' help.
'We have indication that these detainees received assistance in their escape from individuals inside of our department,' Hutson said.
After breaching the wall at the Orleans Justice Center, the escapees scaled another wall and managed to cross the interstate, the sheriff added.
The 10 inmates have been identified as Corey Boyd, Dkenan Dennis, Jermaine Donald, Derrick Groves, Antoine Massey, Robert Moody, Kendell Myles, Gary Price, Leo Tate and Lenton Vanburen, WVUE reported.
The escapees range from 19 years old to 42. Most of the men are in their 20s, the Associated Press reported.
One of the fugitives, Derrick Groves, was convicted on two charges of second-degree murder and two charges of attempted second-degree murder last year for his role in the 2018 Mardi Gras Day shootings of two men.
He also faces a charge of battery against a correctional facility employee, court records show. In a press release, law enforcement warned that the fugitive may attempt to locate witnesses in the murder trial.
Another escapee, Corey Boyd, had pled not guilty to a pending second-degree murder charge.
Hutson said the police department has launched 'emergency protocols' and are now pursuing a full-scale manhunt for the escapees.
One of the escapees, 20-year-old Kendell Myles - who previously broke out of the Bridge City Center in July 2022 - was captured after being spotted on surveillance footage in New Orleans’ French Quarter.
At 11.30am, Louisiana State Troopers chased Myles on foot and recaptured him 'without further incident' after he was discovered hiding under a car at the Hotel Monteleone parking garage.
Myles was previously charged with attempted second-degree murder and has since been rebooked on a simple escape charge, according to the sheriff's office.
The remaining nine escapees are still at large and believed to be within the city. Authorities are urging the public not to approach them if spotted, as they may be dangerous.
'We are actively working with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in a full-scale search operation,' Sheriff Hutson said.
The Sheriff's Office has also launched an investigation into how the inmates escaped, which will include a review of facility protocols, staff performance and physical security measures, according to Hutson.
'Any lapses or failures that contributed to this incident will be addressed swiftly and with full accountability,' she said.
The bold escape sparked sharp criticism from officials, who questioned why the public wasn't immediately notified once authorities became aware of the breakout.
In a statement on social media, Louisiana's Attorney General Liz Murrill said: 'Someone clearly dropped the ball, and there's no excuse for this.'
'This is beyond unacceptable, and once these offenders are back in custody, there must be real accountability,' she added.
Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams described the escape as 'an unprecedented failure', WDSU reported. He is also convening a grand jury to determine who may have been involved.
'I've got a deep fear right now for people who were brave enough to come forward to testify in these cases,' he told the outlet.
'This is a very dangerous situation that has only been made more dangerous because of the poor leadership and lack of transparency.'
However, Maj. Silas Phipps Jr., head of the Sheriff's Office investigative bureau, stated that as of now, officials are 'working every angle' to locate the inmates.
'I just want to remind the public and anyone that may be assisting them that, if we identify you and can prove that you are assisting them, we will prosecute you along with them to the fullest extent of the law,' he said.
'If there is anyone helping or harboring these escapees, you will be charged,' New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick added.
Kirkpatrick also said that some victims connected to the escapees - several of whom are facing murder charges or other violent charges such as aggravated assault - were notified about the incident, CBS News reported.
In the wake of the jailbreak, police relocated one family from their home to ensure their safety.
The New Orleans police - along with its violent offender warrant squad, the FBI, the US Marshals and the Louisiana State Police - have all joined the search for the offenders, all of whom are considered violent and housed on the same jail tier.
'At the request of the New Orleans Police Department, FBI New Orleans has surged resources to assist with apprehending inmates who escaped from the Orleans Parish Jail on May 16, 2025,' the FBI said in a statement.
'In addition, the FBI is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for tips leading to the arrest of any of the inmates.'
The New Orleans Police Superintendent also cautioned the public that it was highly unlikely the criminals were still wearing their jumpsuits.
'It's more than likely that someone had help and they are not running around in a jumpsuit - but if they are, you're going to stand out,' she said.
Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI at 1-800-Call-FBI or send digital tips to fbi.gov/neworleansfugitives.
