"Too Easy LoL": messages written on cell wall as ten inmates escape from Orleans Parish Prison in Louisiana, United States
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
On Friday, May 16, 2025, ten inmates broke out of the Parish Justice Center Orleans in New Orleans in Louisiana, a state on the south-east coast of the United States. The Justice Center staff discovered the breakout during an 8:30 a.m. headcount.
Authorities quickly apprehended Kendell Myles, 20 years old — who faced attempted second-degree murder charges — in the French Quarter. As stated by the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office, as of Saturday afternoon, seven inmates remained at large, with the other three apprehended by Friday night - including Robert Moody and Dkenan Dennis. LA State Police said a fourth fugitive was captured on Monday — Gary C. Price, 21 years old. And on Tuesday, Corey Boyd, 19 years old, who had pled not guilty to a pending second-degree murder charge, has also been taken into custody.
Sheriff Hutson reported that the inmates began forcing a cell door off its track shortly before 12:30 a.m. “They managed to break open a door,” Hutson explained, noting that a staff member was present in the pod at the time. The group exited the jail around 1:01 a.m. by breaking through a wall behind a toilet.
Surveillance footage showed the escapees leaving through a dock door, scaling a wall, with some then running across to the interstate. Photos from the sheriff’s office revealed a large hole behind the toilet in the cell, with graffiti above it reading “We Innocent” and “Too Easy LoL.”
Three of the missing inmates — Jermaine Donald, Derrick Groves, and Lenton Vanburen — faced second-degree murder charges. Police were also searching for fugitives wanted for aggravated assault, armed robbery, false imprisonment, battery, and several drug offenses.
Authorities warned that the escapees were armed and dangerous. Local, state, and federal agencies have launched a massive search operation. For safety, officials have relocated victims connected to the fugitives.
At the time, the jail was understaffed, with only 36 staff and 4 supervisors present. Sheriff Susan Hutson emphasized the urgent need for $5.2 million in lock repairs and increased staffing.
Officials were reviewing security procedures, staff actions, and the possibility of inside assistance. They said they would hold anyone who aided the escape accountable.
Authorities urged residents to stay alert and immediately report any suspicious activity, and not to approach the escapees.
Sources
[edit]- Emily Shapiro, Matt Foster, Alexandra Faul, Nadine El-Bawab, Meredith Deliso, T. Michelle Murphy, Faith Abubey, and Briana Stewart. 5 men at large after escape from New Orleans jail, including 3 charged with murder — ABC News, May 21, 2025
- Authorities say 10 inmates escaped from a New Orleans jail; nine still missing after one recaptured — ABC 7 Chicago, May 17, 2025
- Inmates facing murder charges among 11 escapees from New Orleans prison — BBC, May 17, 2025
- 10 inmates escape from New Orleans jail with help from 'inside our department,' sheriff says — NBC News, May 16, 2025
