“Too easy”: Inmates leave taunt behind after escaping New Orleans jail through wall

Ten inmates escaped from the Orleans Justice Center in the early hours of Friday morning by digging a hole behind a toilet and breaching the perimeter, triggering an immediate federal and local manhunt. The escape was first discovered at 8:30 a.m. during a routine headcount. According to the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, the inmates exited their cell at approximately 12:23 a.m. Surveillance footage later confirmed that they had climbed through a wall, scaled fences, and fled the premises.

Three of the inmates were recaptured by late Friday evening, while seven remained at large as of Saturday. The FBI has joined Louisiana State Police in a coordinated search across parish and state lines, offering rewards and public tip lines.

What Happened at the Orleans Justice Center in the Early Hours of May 16?

Officials reported that the escape took place in the main detention block of the Orleans Justice Center, located in central New Orleans. The inmates exploited a structural weakness behind the toilet of their shared cell, digging a hole large enough to pass through. After breaching the wall, the group accessed unsecured areas within the facility before climbing over the external fences.

The breach occurred between midnight and 12:30 a.m., but it remained undetected for over eight hours. According to internal reports cited by Sheriff Susan Hutson‘s office, the 8:30 a.m. roll call first identified the absence of ten inmates.

The FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, and local agencies have since deployed K-9 units, drones, and tactical teams to locate the escapees. As of May 18, law enforcement confirmed the recapture of Kendell Myles, Robert Moody, and Dkenan Dennis. The seven remaining individuals are being treated as dangerous, with charges including murder, aggravated assault, and armed robbery.

How Did the Inmates Evade Detection for Over Eight Hours?

Preliminary findings from the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office point to multiple failures in internal surveillance and perimeter checks. The Orleans Justice Center, which opened in 2015 to replace the storm-damaged Orleans Parish Prison, had been flagged in previous audits for inadequate staffing, poor maintenance, and outdated monitoring systems.

Officials suspect that the breach point behind the cell’s plumbing may have deteriorated due to unresolved infrastructure issues. Surveillance cameras reportedly failed to record the escape in real time due to system blind spots. While speculation of internal collusion has not been officially confirmed, Sheriff Hutson’s office has placed three employees on administrative leave pending internal review.

Who Are the Escaped Inmates and What Charges Do They Face?

The Sheriff’s Office published a full list of the escapees along with their charges. Several of the individuals were being held on violent felony charges, including homicide and aggravated robbery. The release of this information prompted swift public concern in communities surrounding the jail.

Authorities have advised residents to exercise caution and report suspicious activity to a dedicated hotline. Schools in neighboring districts issued precautionary alerts to parents, and police presence has been heightened in nearby neighborhoods.

How Are Law Enforcement Agencies Responding to the Jailbreak?

The manhunt has expanded beyond Orleans Parish. The Louisiana State Police and FBI are collaborating on real-time intelligence collection, including digital surveillance, phone tracking, and known associate monitoring. Search efforts now include areas beyond state lines, with checkpoints established along major highways.

The FBI issued a $5,000 reward per fugitive for tips that lead to arrests. Federal agents were seen reviewing footage and forensic evidence at the jail site late Friday.

The U.S. Marshals Service has confirmed it is participating in surveillance operations tied to known gang affiliations of some escapees.

Has the Orleans Justice Center Faced Security Concerns Before?

The current incident is the most serious jailbreak since the opening of the Orleans Justice Center. However, it is not without precedent. The facility has been under a federal consent decree since 2013 due to past constitutional violations at the previous jail site.

Court-appointed monitors have consistently flagged issues such as staff shortages, inadequate training, and inmate violence. A 2024 report cited the jail’s deteriorating infrastructure and limited emergency response preparedness.

The New Orleans-based watchdog group Court Watch NOLA reiterated its demand for transparent reform following Friday’s escape, calling for a reassessment of facility funding and oversight.

What Have Officials Said About the Jailbreak and Accountability Measures?

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said in a public statement that the incident reflected systemic negligence and demanded immediate accountability from jail administrators. She stressed that public safety had been compromised and called for a statewide infrastructure audit.

Sheriff Susan Hutson has pledged full cooperation with the investigation. Her office confirmed that internal protocols failed and that a comprehensive assessment was already underway. Hutson emphasized that corrective actions, including retraining of staff and infrastructure upgrades, would be prioritized.

Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s office has not issued a formal press statement, though aides indicated support for a third-party independent investigation.

How Are New Orleans Residents and Advocacy Groups Reacting?

Community members have expressed concern over the length of time it took for authorities to notice the escape. Local residents near the jail described a visible police buildup by early afternoon on Friday but said they were unaware of any ongoing crisis that morning.

Neighborhood associations and local clergy have requested town hall meetings to clarify security upgrades and emergency communication protocols.

Justice reform advocates, meanwhile, argue that the incident highlights deep-rooted flaws in Louisiana’s approach to incarceration, including prolonged pre-trial detentions and underfunded public defense systems.

What Happens Next in the Investigation?

The Sheriff’s Office has stated that all surveillance footage, logbooks, and maintenance records from the past 30 days are being reviewed. Additional disciplinary action may be taken if staff negligence is confirmed.

The jail’s consent decree monitors are expected to file an updated report with the Eastern District of Louisiana federal court within the next 10 days. Recommendations could include structural upgrades, staffing enhancements, and third-party oversight mechanisms.

In parallel, legislative committees in Baton Rouge are preparing to review statewide jail infrastructure standards, with hearings expected in the coming weeks.

If additional escapes or planning assistance are uncovered, further charges—including conspiracy—may be filed.

Will the Orleans Justice Center Face Federal Sanctions or Closure?

Experts believe that a full federal takeover of jail operations remains unlikely unless severe staff misconduct is proven. However, renewed scrutiny could result in stricter compliance conditions under the federal consent decree and temporary transfer of administrative control to external management teams.

The facility’s ability to house high-risk inmates may be curtailed if found non-compliant.

Manhunt for seven inmates continues. FBI confirms receipt of 42 public tips. Three escapees in custody. Surveillance gaps under federal review.