10 Inmates Escape from Orleans Parish Jail; Investigation Points to Internal Aid
A major jailbreak at the Orleans Parish Justice Center in New Orleans has sparked a multi-agency manhunt after 10 inmates escaped early Friday morning, with only three recaptured as of Saturday afternoon. Authorities say the escape may have been aided by individuals inside the jail.
According to Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson, the escape was discovered during a routine headcount around 8:30 a.m. Friday. Surveillance footage shows inmates breaking into a cell around 12:22 a.m., exiting through a loading dock, and scaling a fence using blankets by 1:19 a.m.
Hole Behind Jail Toilet Marks Escape Route
Inmates broke through a wall behind a toilet to access a route out of the facility. Inside the cell, graffiti above the breach read “We Innocent” and “To Easy LoL.”
Authorities believe tools were used to make the hole. “It’s more than just a breach of security,” said Chief of Corrections Jay Mallett. “It would definitely be some type of tool used other than just the strength of a sheer individual.”
Internal Lapses and Suspensions as Search Widens
Three jail employees have been placed on unpaid leave as the investigation continues. The escape occurred while a civilian corrections technician stepped away to get food, allowing the inmates to flee undetected.
Sheriff Hutson stated, “We have indication that these detainees received assistance in their escape from individuals inside of our department.”
3 Arrested; 7 Still at Large
By Friday night, three escapees were back in custody. Among them:
- Kendall Myles, 20, was found hiding under a car in a parking garage at the Hotel Monteleone. Myles had previously escaped custody in 2022 and is charged with attempted murder and carjacking.
- Robert Moody was also captured Friday night, with no further arrest details released.
- Dkenan Dennis, 24, was the third to be apprehended and has since been transferred to a state facility. During the transfer, he reportedly exhibited “hostile behavior” and required a spit hood.
Officials Demand Accountability
Gov. Jeff Landry and Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill called for full investigations into the escape, demanding accountability from those responsible. “Someone clearly dropped the ball and there’s no excuse for this,” Murrill said.
Local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies are continuing a full-scale search. Sheriff Hutson warned the public not to engage the remaining fugitives: “We are urging the public to remain alert.”
