Ten men escaped from a New Orleans jail early Friday by creating a hole behind a toilet and scaling one of the prison walls. The escape went unnoticed for hours until a routine morning headcount revealed that 11 inmates were missing, according to the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office. However, further investigation later in the day found that one man initially thought to have escaped was actually in another cell, reducing the number of fugitives to ten.
Details of the Escapees
The escaped men range in age from 19 to 42 years old, with most in their twenties. Three of them face life sentences if convicted of second-degree murder charges:
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Derrick Groves: Convicted last year on two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder for his role in Mardi Gras Day shootings outside an apartment complex near downtown New Orleans. He also faces charges related to battery against corrections officers after allegedly attacking them during transport between facilities earlier this month.
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Corey Boyd: Pleaded not guilty last fall to pending charges accusing him of shooting into occupied vehicles while driving down Interstate 610 westbound on May 24, killing one person inside each vehicle.
Groves’s lawyer did not immediately return phone calls seeking comment. It is unclear whether Boyd has retained legal counsel yet or what kind it might be.
Public Safety Concerns
Law enforcement warned residents that Groves may try to find witnesses who testified against him at his trial next month. Although it’s unclear how much information he has access to regarding potential targets or their locations, residents are advised to remain vigilant.
NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick stated at a news conference:
"If there is anyone helping or harboring these escapees, you will be charged."
Kirkpatrick acknowledged that her agency has put every resource toward responding but lacks enough manpower given other recent crimes, such as armed robberies throughout the city. She noted that police are working with federal agencies, including the FBI and U.S. Marshals Service agents stationed locally since Hurricane Katrina.
Calls for Accountability
Sheriff Susan Hutson, overseeing Orleans Parish Prisoners, believes those responsible for allowing the escape must come forward soon. She indicated that she would call upon state lawmakers again to pass legislation requiring better oversight and accountability measures regarding prisons.
"We need help," said Sheriff Hutson during an interview. "I don’t know how many more times we can do this."
Hutson currently employs around 700 people across all areas within her office, which includes law enforcement personnel and civilian staff handling various administrative duties.
Recent Crime Wave
Last week, three separate armed robberies occurred throughout Metairie and Kenner, leaving authorities scrambling to determine the perpetrators. Following reports of multiple suspects arrested after fleeing a scene where shots rang out outside a popular restaurant, officials confirmed five people were taken into custody after a police pursuit ended when the suspects crashed their car into a utility pole.
Kirkpatrick stated that investigators believe those involved may have been part-time employees working at nearby restaurants but declined to provide further details, saying only, "we’re still investigating." No injuries were reported during the incidents, despite multiple shots being fired outside the crowded eatery.
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