Orleans Parish Inmate Escape 2025 is once again facing scrutiny after ten (initially reported and eleven) inmates, including individuals charged with violent crimes, escaped from the facility early Friday morning, May 16, 2025. The escape triggered a full lockdown and set off a massive citywide search, with authorities warning the public to remain vigilant as many of the escapees remain at large.
Escape Discovered During Routine Headcount
The jailbreak was first discovered during a standard headcount around 8:30 a.m., sparking immediate concerns about facility security. Preliminary investigations suggest the inmates escaped through a hole behind a toilet, which led to an unsecured maintenance corridor and allowed them to exit the facility undetected.
High-Risk Escapees Include Convicted Murderers
Among those who escaped is Derrick Groves, convicted on two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder related to a 2018 Mardi Gras shooting. Also on the run is Kendell Myles, who has a known history of attempting escapes. Myles was quickly recaptured later that day in the French Quarter after law enforcement used facial recognition technology via Project NOLA cameras.
As of now, nine inmates remain at large. Law enforcement agencies have issued a stark warning to the public, urging residents to avoid approaching any of the escapees as they are considered dangerous.
Multi-Agency Response Underway
The New Orleans Police Department, Louisiana State Police, U.S. Marshals, and FBI are collaborating in the ongoing manhunt. Authorities have also taken precautionary steps to protect potential targets, including relocating individuals connected to some of the inmates.
Sheriff Hutson Vows Accountability Amid Mounting Criticism
Sheriff Susan Hutson, who oversees the facility, has promised a thorough investigation into the escape. She acknowledged that both facility protocols and staff performance will come under review.
“This is a failure of our systems, and we will be accountable,” Hutson stated during a press conference.
State officials have already begun voicing outrage over the incident. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill called the escape “beyond unacceptable” and demanded swift action to address the facility’s repeated failures.
Facility’s Troubled Past Resurfaces
The Orleans Parish Justice Center, formerly known as the Orleans Parish Prison, has been operating under a federal consent decree since 2013 following findings of unconstitutional conditions at the jail. Friday’s escape has reignited public criticism over the facility’s chronic safety issues and calls for systemic reform.
Public Urged to Remain Vigilant
Officials are asking anyone with information about the escapees’ whereabouts to contact local law enforcement or Crimestoppers. Residents are advised not to approach the individuals, as they are believed to be armed and dangerous.
This latest incident has raised new questions about jail oversight, staffing shortages, and the urgent need to address systemic flaws within New Orleans’ criminal justice system.
