Prison Break in Louisiana

On Friday, ten violent inmates made a daring escape from a Louisiana prison, squeezing through small windows that were covered with toilets.

The Orleans Justice Centre staff made the alarming discovery around 8:30 a.m., according to reports. Witnesses claimed to have seen all ten inmates, dressed in matching orange jumpsuits, on Interstate 10 in the cover of night.

The escape involved moving a toilet and accessing a small rectangular opening just after midnight, officials stated.

Above this opening, someone left a note that read, “Laughter easily,” which paints a surreal picture given the seriousness of their actions.

Another message boldly declared, “I/We are innocent.” A crude drawing of a face with a protruding tongue bore the words “Most hated 9,” along with a note that said, “If possible, catch us.”

By around 11 a.m., Louisiana State Police managed to recapture one of the fugitives, Kendall Miles, who had been accused of shooting a man. Officers located him in a popular tourist area of the city.

The remaining escapees all have violent backgrounds, raising concerns that they may seek to settle old scores. For instance, Derrick Groves is serving time for a double murder linked to a mass shooting during Mardi Gras in 2018.

Corey Boyed faces charges of second-degree murder and aggravated battery, while Gary Price is held on charges of attempted first-degree murder.

Antoine Massey has a history of domestic abuse, theft, and other serious charges. Renton Benren is charged with murder and possession of a firearm, alongside parole violations.

Meanwhile, Leotate is facing robbery and weapons charges, and Robert Moody has accusations related to drug trafficking and battery. Dkenan Dennis is implicated in armed robbery and weapons-related offenses.

Earlier reports indicated some confusion regarding the whereabouts of Keith Lewis, who was mistakenly believed to be a fugitive until it was revealed he had been moved to a different unit.

Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson confirmed that the plumbing panels behind the toilets could only be accessed from the outside. Currently, the prison’s staffing level stands at 60%, which is raising alarm bells.

State officials expressed outrage over what they deemed preventable errors. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Maril stated that a thorough investigation is warranted, questioning whether there was any collusion between staff or outsiders.

The prison is under full lockdown, and investigations are proceeding alongside ongoing manhunts in New Orleans.