Inside Job Suspected in New Orleans Jail Break of Ten Inmates

A daring jailbreak in New Orleans has led authorities to suspect an inside job at the Orleans Parish Jail, where ten prisoners escaped, leaving messages taunting their captors. The manhunt is ongoing, with heightened concerns for public safety.

In a surprising event early Friday morning, ten inmates managed to escape from the Orleans Parish Jail in New Orleans, prompting a thorough investigation as authorities suspect that the escape may have been aided by the facility’s staff. Local officials confirmed the break occurred around midnight, and the escape was uncovered during a routine headcount at 8:30 AM local time, where one of the ten escapees was subsequently recaptured.

Sheriff Susan Hutson addressed the media, asserting, "There's no way for anyone to get out of this facility without help." The seriousness of the situation is underscored by the fact that many of the escapees are facing serious charges, including murder. One of the escaped prisoners was identified as Kendall Myles after facial recognition software linked him to a surveillance video. He attempted to evade capture by hiding under a car in a parking garage but was arrested shortly thereafter.

Initially reported as eleven escapees, the count was later corrected to ten, and a manhunt is underway for the remaining inmates. The Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office has released images from the facility showing how the escape occurred. The prisoners were able to dismantle a sliding door, rip a toilet from the wall, and break bars around a piping hole to make their getaway. Notably, some messages were left behind taunting the authorities, including handwritten notes with phrases like "To Easy LoL."

Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick described the escape as an "urgent and serious situation," calling on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious actions. Many victims of the escapees have been informed of the situation, raising concerns for public safety as the threat level is considered high. The search for the escapees involves collaboration with the FBI and US Marshals, further intensifying the efforts to locate and apprehend those still at large.

As investigations into the possible assistance from staff continue, authorities are on high alert, emphasizing that anyone involved in facilitating the escape would face serious legal repercussions. The Orleans Parish Jail, situated less than two miles from the famous French Quarter, remains a central focus of law enforcement agencies working to restore security in the city.