In a daring escape around midnight on Friday, October 20, ten inmates from the Orleans Parish Jail in New Orleans vanished, raising alarms about the possibility of inside help from the facility's staff. The inmates were discovered to be missing following a headcount at 8:30 AM local time, with one having been recaptured shortly thereafter.
Sheriff Susan Huston expressed her concerns during a news conference, stating, "There's no way for anyone to get out of this facility without help." The escape occurred after inmates managed to forcibly remove a sliding cell door, followed by breaking through a wall where piping was located, enabling them to flee from the facility. The use of surveillance footage and facial recognition technology led to the identification and capture of one escapee, Kendall Myles, who was apprehended hiding beneath a car shortly thereafter.
In a detailed breakdown, law enforcement revealed that the inmates made their escape approximately 30 minutes after initially breaking free. The Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office released visuals documenting their method of escape, highlighting a substantial breach that was carefully orchestrated. Messages left behind by the inmates, including one that read "To Easy LoL," have been analyzed, indicating a brazen attitude and potentially a taunt to authorities.
While one inmate is back in custody, the remaining nine are categorized as "armed and dangerous" by the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office, prompting an active manhunt. Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick has termed the situation as both "urgent and serious," appealing to the public for vigilance and the reporting of any unusual activities tied to the fugitives.
The police department is working with both the FBI and U.S. Marshals to track down the escapees, some of whom carry serious charges, including murder. Victims affected by the crimes of these individuals have already been notified of the escape, raising concerns over public safety. As investigations into the potential involvement of jail staff unfold, authorities assert that anyone who assisted the escapees will also face legal consequences. The Orleans Parish Jail is located a short distance from the bustling French Quarter, raising additional safety concerns for residents and visitors alike.
