10 inmates who escaped New Orleans jail may have had inside help
Mugshots of the 10 inmates who escaped from Orleans Parish jail. Kendall Myles, bottom right, has been recaptured. Authorities say the others may have had help from inside the facility. (FOX )
Authorities in New Orleans are scrambling to locate nine inmates who escaped from the Orleans Parish jail, including a convicted murderer and others facing serious charges. The escape, first noticed during a routine headcount Friday morning, has sparked a sweeping investigation and raised concerns about internal failures within the sheriff’s department.
One inmate was captured shortly after the breakout during a foot chase through the French Quarter. But officials say the others remain at large—and may have received help from inside the jail.
How did the New Orleans jail escape happen?
The backstory:
Authorities initially believed 11 inmates had escaped, but later clarified that one was found in another cell. The remaining 10 inmates reportedly exploited a vulnerability in the jail’s infrastructure—specifically an opening in a cell wall that led into a maintenance corridor, according to sources speaking anonymously to the Associated Press.
A photograph obtained by AP appears to show the small square opening, which a former jail official said would typically be covered by a sink and toilet. Investigators are now reviewing surveillance footage that allegedly captured the moment of escape.
Why are officials investigating jail staff?
What they're saying:
Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson said there are "indications" that the inmates "received assistance in their escape from individuals inside of our department." She announced a full internal investigation focused on facility protocols, staff performance, and physical security measures.
"If there is anyone helping or harboring these escapees, you will be charged," said New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick. She added that one family connected to a witness had already been relocated for safety.
9 inmates still at large after escape from New Orleans jail; sheriff suspects inside help
A massive manhunt is underway in New Orleans after 10 inmates escaped from the Orleans Parish jail. One inmate, Kendall Myles, has been recaptured, but nine remain at large—including individuals charged or convicted of violent crimes. Sheriff Susan Hutson says there’s evidence jail staff may have helped them escape.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill condemned the delay in notifying the public and said her office will ensure accountability, calling the situation "beyond unacceptable."
Who are the escapees still on the run?
By the numbers:
- 10 inmates initially escaped
- 1 recaptured Friday in French Quarter
- 9 remain at large
- Ages range from 19 to 42, most in their 20s
- Inmates include those convicted or charged with murder
One of the escapees, Derrick Groves, was convicted in 2023 on two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder tied to a 2018 Mardi Gras shooting. Another inmate, Corey Boyd, has pled not guilty to a separate second-degree murder charge.
What's next:
Law enforcement at the local, state, and federal level—including the FBI and U.S. Marshals—are involved in the search. Officials are also taking steps to protect anyone who may be at risk due to prior testimony against the fugitives.
The sheriff’s department is promising swift action and transparency in uncovering what allowed the jailbreak to happen in the first place—and whether department members directly aided in the escape.
The Source: This article is based on reporting from the Associated Press, which first broke the news of the inmate escape and provided updates from Sheriff Susan Hutson, law enforcement officials, and Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill. Additional context was drawn from AP interviews with law enforcement sources familiar with the facility and security footage. This story was reported from Los Angeles.