A major security breach occurred early Friday at the Orleans Parish jail in New Orleans, where ten inmates escaped through a hole behind a toilet, sparking a citywide manhunt and raising questions about possible inside help.

 

According to the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, the breakout began at approximately 12:22 a.m. when inmates manipulated a cell door and gained access to a compromised cell. Surveillance footage captured them entering the cell and slipping through a hole hidden behind the toilet.

 

The escapees made their way out through a loading dock, scaled a barbed-wire fence using blankets, and fled toward nearby railroad tracks and Interstate 10.

 

Orleans Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick confirmed that progress has been made in the search, with three of the escapees recaptured. Kendell Myles, who faces attempted second-degree murder charges, was found hiding under a vehicle in a French Quarter hotel garage. Robert Moody was also arrested later that day, though details of his capture remain undisclosed. A third inmate, Dkenan Dennis, was located near Chef Menteur Highway.

 

Eight inmates are still at large, including four with second-degree murder charges: Corey Boyd, Lenton Vanburen, Jermaine Donald, and Derrick Groves. Initial reports indicated 11 inmates had escaped, but officials later clarified that one had been moved to another cell.

 

Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson revealed the jailbreak went undetected until a routine headcount at 8:30 a.m. Authorities, including federal and state agencies, were notified soon after, with New Orleans police receiving the alert by 10:30 a.m.

 

Hutson suggested internal assistance may have played a role. “It’s almost impossible to escape from this facility without help,” she said, also citing malfunctioning cell locks as a potential factor in the breach.

 

Authorities found discarded orange prison uniforms in a nearby neighborhood, indicating the escapees likely changed clothes shortly after fleeing.

 

The manhunt is ongoing, and authorities are urging the public to remain alert and report any suspicious activity.