New Orleans Jail Break Involved Inside Help and Major Security Flaws
*Ten inmates escaped from the Orleans Justice Center in New Orleans after breaking through a wall behind a toilet and slipping out a supply door. The escape occurred around 1 a.m. on Friday, May 16, 2025, but wasn’t discovered until nearly 8:30 a.m. during a routine headcount.
“We have indication that these detainees received assistance… from individuals inside of our department,” Sheriff Susan Hutson told reporters. Only one of the ten escapees has been recaptured so far, CNN is reporting.
Escape Route Began Behind a Toilet, Ended on the Interstate
The inmates pulled a cell door off its track, removed bolts from a toilet, and breached a wall behind it. From there, they exited through a supply door, scaled a fence along Interstate 10, and ran off into the night using blankets to shield themselves from barbed wire.
A photo released by the sheriff’s office showed graffiti over the escape hole reading “Too Easy LoL,” with an arrow pointing toward it. Surveillance footage confirmed the escape route. Staff shortages and faulty cell locks reportedly made the jailbreak easier to pull off.
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One Inmate Caught, Nine Others Remain on the Run
Of the ten who escaped, only Kendell Myles has been recaptured. He was found hiding under a car in a hotel parking garage. Myles, who was previously charged with attempted second-degree murder, now faces an additional charge of simple escape.
“Thank you to Troop NOLA for their diligence and speed in apprehending the first escapee,” Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said after Myles was taken into custody.
Staff Suspended and Inside Job Investigated
Three jail employees have been suspended as part of the investigation. Officials are reviewing surveillance footage and phone logs to find out how the breach occurred and who may have helped the inmates escape.
Chief of Corrections Jay Mallett noted that “some toiletries” were used to help dismantle bolts and plumbing fixtures. “We know that this could not be removed from the inside, so we are investigating… if this is an inside job,” Mallett added.
Massive Manhunt Underway with Help from FBI
Over 200 law enforcement officers are involved in the manhunt. The FBI has offered a $5,000 reward per inmate for tips leading to arrests, and Crime Stoppers is offering $2,000 per escapee. Authorities are asking the public to call 911 with any sightings.
“We do acknowledge there is no way people can get out of this facility without there being some type of lapse in security,” Sheriff Hutson said. “It’s almost impossible…for anybody to get out of this facility without help from the outside.”
Inmate Charges Include Violent Offenses
The ages of the escapees range from 19 to 42, and many face serious charges including murder, domestic abuse, and armed robbery. Derrick Groves, one of the escapees, was convicted of a double murder on Mardi Gras Day in 2018.
District Attorney Jason Williams expressed outrage over the escape and said, “I have never heard of a prison break involving this many people in my 52 years.”
Facility Infrastructure and Staffing Under Fire
Sheriff Hutson admitted the jail suffers from critical infrastructure issues and staff shortages. Cell doors can be manipulated off track, and the facility operates with just 60% of needed staff. Only four supervisors and 36 staff were on duty at the time of the escape.
Chief Mallett added, “The primary security breach and concern is the facilities’ infrastructure… We’ve identified that we have a large number of high-security individuals in a minimum custody facility.”
Public Notification Delay Sparks Outrage
City officials did not notify the public until hours after the escape was discovered. The emergency alert system sent texts to residents late Friday afternoon, sparking criticism about the delay in communication.
“I along with my team came to work this morning a rock’s throw from this jail having no knowledge that we should be on guard and that’s inexcusable,” said DA Jason Williams. “We have to dig into every single thing that occurred here.”
What Happens Next in the New Orleans Jail Escape Case
The sheriff’s office is continuing its internal investigation and reviewing possible criminal conduct by jail staff. Authorities are combing through inmate communications to trace who they contacted before the escape.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill also called for action, saying, “Someone clearly dropped the ball and there’s no excuse for this.” She confirmed reaching out to officials in multiple neighboring states to help track the escapees.
With nine violent fugitives still at large, law enforcement across the South is on high alert. Officials say it’s only a matter of time before the remaining inmates are located and brought back into custody.
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