Ten inmates broke out of the Orleans Justice Center in New Orleans on Friday in a daring overnight escape. According to authorities, the group fled through a hole behind a toilet and scaled a wall, taking advantage of the absence of the only assigned guard, who had left to get food.
Seven fugitives — some charged with murder — remain at large. The sheriff has suggested the escape may have involved inside help from members within the department.
Escape Caught on Surveillance
Surveillance footage released during a press conference showed the inmates sprinting out of the facility, with some dressed in orange jail uniforms and others in white. They scaled a fence using blankets to protect themselves from barbed wire, then ran across a nearby interstate into a residential neighborhood.
A photo obtained by the Associated Press revealed the hole behind the toilet used in the escape. Graffiti above the hole read, "To Easy LoL," with an arrow pointing at the opening.
Despite using a known weak spot in the jail’s infrastructure, the men’s absence went unnoticed for over seven hours. Their escape was only discovered during a morning headcount around 8:30 a.m.
Security Failures and Staffing Issues
Officials confirmed that no deputy was present in the pod where the inmates were housed. A civilian technician assigned to monitor the pod had stepped away to get food at the time of the breakout.
Sheriff Susan Hutson blamed “defective locks” and possibly internal assistance for enabling the escape. “It’s almost impossible — not completely, but almost — for anyone to get out without help,” Hutson said. The jail holds approximately 1,400 inmates.
Investigators believe one or more steel bars around the plumbing fixtures were deliberately cut using a tool. After escaping, the men quickly ditched their jail uniforms, and it remains unclear how some obtained civilian clothing.
Three Recaptured, Seven Still on the Run
One escapee, 20-year-old Kendall Myles — a repeat juvenile escapee — was caught shortly after the breakout in the French Quarter. By Friday evening, two more had been recaptured: Robert Moody, 21, and Dkenan Dennis, thanks to a tip and a search near Chef Menteur Highway.
Authorities initially reported 11 escapees but later clarified that one man believed to have fled was actually in a different cell.
Three jail employees have been suspended pending investigation. Officials have not confirmed whether any of them are suspected of aiding the escape.
Who Are the Escapees?
The fugitives range in age from 19 to 42. Most are in their 20s and face serious charges:
Derrick Groves was convicted of two second-degree murders and two attempted murders from a 2018 Mardi Gras shooting.
Corey Boyd is awaiting trial on a second-degree murder charge and had pleaded not guilty.
Officials warned that some of the fugitives may try to contact witnesses from their cases.
Meanwhile, New Orleans police said it is using facial recognition technology from Project NOLA, which has access to over 5,000 surveillance cameras across the city.
District Attorney Jason Williams condemned the sheriff’s office, calling the delay in reporting the escape “a complete failure.” State Attorney General Liz Murrill called the situation “beyond unacceptable” and said authorities waited too long to alert the public.
New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said law enforcement is also working to protect potential witnesses, and one family has already been relocated.
“If anyone is helping or harboring these escapees, you will be charged,” Kirkpatrick warned.
Seven fugitives — some charged with murder — remain at large. The sheriff has suggested the escape may have involved inside help from members within the department.
Escape Caught on Surveillance
Surveillance footage released during a press conference showed the inmates sprinting out of the facility, with some dressed in orange jail uniforms and others in white. They scaled a fence using blankets to protect themselves from barbed wire, then ran across a nearby interstate into a residential neighborhood.A photo obtained by the Associated Press revealed the hole behind the toilet used in the escape. Graffiti above the hole read, "To Easy LoL," with an arrow pointing at the opening.
Despite using a known weak spot in the jail’s infrastructure, the men’s absence went unnoticed for over seven hours. Their escape was only discovered during a morning headcount around 8:30 a.m.
Security Failures and Staffing Issues
Officials confirmed that no deputy was present in the pod where the inmates were housed. A civilian technician assigned to monitor the pod had stepped away to get food at the time of the breakout.Sheriff Susan Hutson blamed “defective locks” and possibly internal assistance for enabling the escape. “It’s almost impossible — not completely, but almost — for anyone to get out without help,” Hutson said. The jail holds approximately 1,400 inmates.
Investigators believe one or more steel bars around the plumbing fixtures were deliberately cut using a tool. After escaping, the men quickly ditched their jail uniforms, and it remains unclear how some obtained civilian clothing.
Three Recaptured, Seven Still on the Run
One escapee, 20-year-old Kendall Myles — a repeat juvenile escapee — was caught shortly after the breakout in the French Quarter. By Friday evening, two more had been recaptured: Robert Moody, 21, and Dkenan Dennis, thanks to a tip and a search near Chef Menteur Highway.Authorities initially reported 11 escapees but later clarified that one man believed to have fled was actually in a different cell.
Three jail employees have been suspended pending investigation. Officials have not confirmed whether any of them are suspected of aiding the escape.
Who Are the Escapees?
The fugitives range in age from 19 to 42. Most are in their 20s and face serious charges:Derrick Groves was convicted of two second-degree murders and two attempted murders from a 2018 Mardi Gras shooting.
Corey Boyd is awaiting trial on a second-degree murder charge and had pleaded not guilty.
Officials warned that some of the fugitives may try to contact witnesses from their cases.
Meanwhile, New Orleans police said it is using facial recognition technology from Project NOLA, which has access to over 5,000 surveillance cameras across the city.
District Attorney Jason Williams condemned the sheriff’s office, calling the delay in reporting the escape “a complete failure.” State Attorney General Liz Murrill called the situation “beyond unacceptable” and said authorities waited too long to alert the public.
New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said law enforcement is also working to protect potential witnesses, and one family has already been relocated.
“If anyone is helping or harboring these escapees, you will be charged,” Kirkpatrick warned.
