• Seven inmates remain at large after a New Orleans jail escape through a hole behind a toilet, causing New Orleans in fear.
• Officials suspect inside help and continue a large manhunt with a reward for tips, keeping New Orleans in fear.
• The jail faces serious maintenance issues, and captured inmates face charges including attempted murder.

Officials believe the seven inmates still on the run may be hiding close to New Orleans or could have moved further away. In light of New Orleans in fear, some might stay with friends or family nearby. Others could have left the area by car, foot, or public transport. The region has highways, rural spots, and urban areas where fugitives can blend in or find temporary cover. Law enforcement is checking traffic cameras, toll booths, and surveillance footage to track their movements. They warn the escapees might use safe houses or hidden locations to avoid capture.

Seven Inmates Remain at Large After New Orleans Jail Escape

Seven inmates remain free after they escaped from the Orleans Parish Prison in New Orleans. The breakout happened just after 1 a.m. on May 16, 2025. The men slipped out through a hole they made behind a toilet in their cell. Authorities launched a large manhunt to capture them, adding to New Orleans in fear. So far, only three of the ten escapees returned to custody. Officials suspect the prisoners had help from inside the jail. They continue searching for the rest of the fugitives. The sheriff’s office offers a reward of up to $7,000 for tips that lead to arrests.

How Inmates Broke Out and Made Their Escape

The men started their escape by pulling a broken cell door off its tracks. Then, they ripped out the toilet and sink unit from the wall to create a hole. Security cameras caught the escapees leaving through a loading dock. After that, they climbed a wall and ran across a busy highway. Sheriff Susan Hutson said a jail worker saw the escape on video but did not report it. This has raised questions about inside help. Authorities suspect some jail employees may have aided the inmates.

Orleans Parish Jail Faces Maintenance Problems

Orleans Parish Prison has many serious maintenance issues. Sheriff Hutson told reporters the jail needs urgent repairs, especially for its doors and locks. The jail holds about 1,400 inmates, many of whom require high security. The budget cannot cover enough upkeep or upgrades to keep the facility safe. Jail officials try to move high-risk inmates to more secure locations, but the process takes time. Despite these problems, the sheriff insists the jail remains mostly secure.

New Orleans Officials Call for Public Vigilance

Mayor LaToya Cantrell praised law enforcement for their quick response to the jailbreak. She thanked local police, state officers, and federal partners for their efforts. The mayor asked residents and visitors to stay alert during the manhunt. Police also urged the public to report any suspicious activity. Authorities emphasized that community help remains vital to catch the escapees. They reminded everyone, “If you see something, say something.”

Background on the Caught and Missing Escapees

By May 17, three escapees returned to jail. They face serious charges ranging from drug possession to attempted murder. Kendell Myles is charged with attempted second-degree murder. Robert Moody faces aggravated battery. Dkenan Dennis remains held on a $2 million bond for armed robbery with a firearm. The seven others still at large include Corey Boyd, Leo Tate, Jermaine Donald, Derrick Groves, Lenton Vanburen, Antoine T. Massey, and Gary C. Price. At least four escapees face murder or attempted murder charges.

Famous Jailbreaks That Made Headlines Across the U.S.

The New Orleans jailbreak reminds many of other high-profile escapes. In 2015, two inmates escaped a maximum-security prison in New York’s Clinton Correctional Facility. Richard Matt and David Sweat used smuggled hacksaw blades to cut through fences. A prison worker helped them by hiding the blades in frozen meat. After weeks on the run, Matt was shot and killed. Sweat was captured after being wounded by law enforcement. The case led to prison staff suspensions and criminal charges.

Other Notable Jail Escapes Involving Clever Plans

In 2016, three men escaped Orange County Men’s Central Jail in California. They cut through steel bars and crawled through plumbing tunnels. Then, they used bedsheets to climb down the building. In 2019, two murder suspects escaped from Monterey County Jail. They created a hole in the ceiling and climbed through a maintenance gap. Both escapees kicked open a hatch blocked by construction materials. These cases drew national media attention for their daring tactics.

How Often Do Jailbreaks Happen in the U.S.?

Jailbreaks happen more than most people realize. Bryce Peterson, a criminal justice researcher, says inmates escape daily from minimum-security jails nationwide. Most of these escapes involve inmates walking away rather than using violence or tools. However, escapes of dangerous criminals from high-security facilities happen rarely. Low staffing and poor pay in many jails contribute to security problems. Marc Bullaro, a former deputy warden at Rikers Island, says about 2,000 inmates escape yearly, mostly from less secure jails.

What Happens Next for the Escapees After Capture?

Authorities have not announced if the inmates will face new charges for escaping. Jailbreak itself usually leads to more criminal counts. The escapees already face serious felony charges. Officials continue the search for the seven still missing. New Orleans in fear due to the lingering uncertainty. They urge the public to remain watchful and report any tips. Law enforcement remains focused on safely capturing all escapees as soon as possible.