NEW ORLEANS — Massive Jailbreak Overview
Five inmates remain unaccounted for nine days after a significant escape from the Orleans Justice Center, marking what has been described as Louisiana's second-largest jailbreak. A coordinated task force consisting of federal and local law enforcement agencies is actively pursuing the escapees: Lenton Vanburen, Antoine Massey, Derrick Groves, Leo Tate, and Jermaine Donald. Concurrently, authorities have arrested five individuals suspected of aiding these fugitives, highlighting serious concerns about both security protocols at the facility and community safety.
Recent Developments in the Investigation
The search continues to evolve, with recent arrests indicating the potential breadth of the assistance provided to the escapees. Casey Smith, a 30-year-old woman, was apprehended on Thursday under allegations of supporting two inmates who escaped on May 16. She is charged as an accessory after the fact for transporting fugitives soon after their escape.
On the same day, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill revealed that one of the escapees has been re-booked based on new evidence linking him to the intricate details of the escape plan. Meanwhile, police arrested Emmitt Weber, who is similarly accused of aiding two of the fugitives, although their identities remain undisclosed.
Authorities from the Louisiana State Police took into custody Connie Weeden, 59, who is charged with felony accessory for previously communicating with Jermaine Donald and allegedly transferring him funds through a digital application.
Underscoring Community Safety
Statements from law enforcement emphasize the serious implications of harboring fugitives on community safety. “Harboring fugitives threatens the safety of our communities and will not be tolerated,” declared Louisiana State Police. This sentiment has been echoed by District Attorney Jason Williams, who emphasized the need for thorough forensic investigation at the escape site. He expressed frustration over the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office's failure to initiate forensic processing, necessitating his office to formally request it.
Timeline of the Escape
Investigators have released surveillance footage documenting the escape sequence:
- 12:22 a.m. – Inmates tamper with security mechanisms.
- 12:43 a.m. – They enter a cell and access a plumbing chase.
- 1:00 a.m. – The escapees exit through a loading dock.
- 1:19 a.m. – They are observed crossing I-10 after scaling fences.
- 2:10 a.m. – Three inmates seen casually walking downtown in jail uniforms.
Subsequent surveillance indicated that one of the inmates, Kendell Myles, was captured shortly after, found hiding beneath a vehicle in a parking garage.
Who is Still Missing?
Among the still escapees is Derrick Groves, notably connected to a tragic past involving the murder of his grandmother by a corrupt police officer in 1994. His family has publicly urged him to surrender to ensure his safety. Other inmates still at large include:
- Lenton Vanburen, 26 – charged with second-degree murder and armed robbery
- Antoine Massey, 32 – known repeat escapee
- Derrick Groves, 27 – convicted of four homicides
- Leo Tate, 31 – faced charges including drug possession and burglary
- Jermaine Donald, 42 – facing second-degree murder charges
Accountability and Systemic Issues
The aftermath of this escape has garnered severe criticism directed towards the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office regarding its operational procedures. The lack of personnel oversight during the escape was evidenced by the absence of deputies in critical areas of the facility. Questions about staffing levels and inmate monitoring are paramount, as a federal court monitor highlighted prior concerns regarding inadequate staffing in housing units.
In response to this incident, Governor Jeff Landry has mandated immediate removal of all Department of Corrections inmates from the Orleans jail and has initiated audits to promote greater oversight. Attorney General Murrill has commenced a criminal investigation into the systemic shortcomings at the facility.
Final Remarks
As the manhunt continues for those still evading capture, it underscores the importance of accountability within the administrative framework overseeing inmate safety and security in Louisiana's correctional facilities.
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