In a dramatic and concerning incident, ten inmates escaped from the Orleans Justice Center in New Orleans on May 16, 2025. The escape, reminiscent of scenes from prison-break films, involved the inmates removing a toilet to access a hole in the wall, leading to their flight from the facility. The event has raised serious questions about jail security and potential internal complicity.
The Escape Unfolds
Surveillance footage revealed that around 12:22 a.m., the inmates began manipulating the sliding door of their cell. By 12:43 a.m., they had removed the toilet, exposing a hole behind it. This passage led to a maintenance corridor, which they navigated to reach a loading dock. At approximately 1:00 a.m., they exited the facility, using blankets to scale a barbed-wire fence, and fled into a nearby neighborhood. The escape went unnoticed until a routine headcount at 8:30 a.m.
Inmates Leave Taunting Message
Adding to the audacity of their escape, the inmates left a mocking message above the hole: “To easy LOL,” with an arrow pointing to the exit route. This graffiti has been widely circulated, symbolizing the ease with which they breached the facility’s security.
Profiles of the Escapees
The ten escapees, all male and aged between 21 and 42, were incarcerated for serious offenses, including murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, and domestic abuse. Among them is Derrick Groves, convicted of a double homicide during Mardi Gras in 2018. As of the latest reports, three inmates—Kendell Myles, Robert Moody, and Dkenan Dennis—have been recaptured, while seven remain at large.
Investigation and Security Concerns
Authorities suspect that the escape may have been facilitated by internal assistance. Sheriff Susan Hutson noted that such an escape would be improbable without help from inside the facility. Consequently, three jail employees have been suspended pending investigation. The jail was reportedly operating at only 60% staffing capacity at the time, and the sole guard assigned to the inmates’ pod had left temporarily to obtain food.
Public Safety and Ongoing Manhunt
The escapees are considered armed and dangerous. A multi-agency manhunt is underway, involving local, state, and federal law enforcement, including the FBI and U.S. Marshals. Authorities have received numerous tips and are pursuing strong leads. The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any information regarding the fugitives’ whereabouts.
Community Impact and Response
The jailbreak has caused significant concern among the community, particularly among victims and witnesses related to the escapees’ cases. Some individuals have taken precautionary measures, including relocating temporarily. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has expressed outrage over the security breach, emphasizing the need for accountability and a thorough investigation into the facility’s operations. Adding to the audacity of their escape, the inmates left a mocking message scrawled above the hole: “To easy LOL,” with an arrow pointing to the breach point. This graffiti has since gone viral on social media, symbolizing the apparent ease with which they bypassed multiple layers of prison security.
Conclusion
This incident underscores critical vulnerabilities in the Orleans Justice Center’s security protocols and staffing. The escape has prompted a comprehensive review of the facility’s operations and has highlighted the necessity for stringent oversight and reforms to prevent future breaches. As the manhunt continues, authorities remain committed to recapturing the remaining fugitives and restoring public confidence in the justice system.
