Three days ago, following a dramatic escape from New Orleans, seven prisoners managed to flee, which included two individuals suspected of murder. In a recent appearance on “American Report,” Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry issued a stern warning to those within the prison who may have assisted in the escape.
“They’re going to face prison time too,” Landry emphasized. “Not just those who possibly aided them, but anyone continuing to help them. If we discover you’ve been aiding these fugitives, you’ll also be jailed.”
He noted that authorities suspect the majority of the escapees are still in Louisiana, likely in the New Orleans vicinity.
“We’re actively pursuing them, aiming to bring them back to where they can’t escape again,” Landry declared.
At a press conference on Sunday night, the Republican governor criticized the parish’s lenient crime policies, claiming they contributed to the escape.
“It’s ironic that the progressive pledges made in this city have led to handing over the keys of the prison to those who promised to keep criminals out,” Landry stated. “This situation illustrates what a progressive criminal justice system looks like, as we seem to be flooded with videos of escaped prisoners.”
He also questioned the previous politicians’ assurances regarding the safety and order voters were promised.
During the same press conference, Landry announced an executive order to have the Orleans Correctional Facility audited by the Department of Corrections and to relocate all DOC inmates from local jails. He also directed state inspectors, in coordination with the Orleans Parish Sheriff, to ensure that all inmates awaiting trial and sentencing were accounted for.
On Friday night, ten inmates broke out of the Orleans Parish Correctional Facility, an event captured on surveillance. Authorities reported that they found a hole that had been concealed behind a toilet.
Afterward, the inmates reportedly cut through the prison’s barbed wire and fled into the neighborhood, even changing their clothes across the highway. They left behind messages on the wall near their escape route, proclaiming sentiments like “Easy Lol” and “We are innocent.”
Authorities suspect that the escape was aided by someone inside the prison, as a female staff member who might have been involved is currently unaccounted for.
Of the ten escapees, four have since been recaptured.
The remaining seven fugitives include Jermaine Donald, 42; Antoine Massey, 33; Leotate, 31; Renton Vanbren, 27; Derrick Groves, 27; Gary Price, 21; and Cory Boyd, 19.
Donald and Boyd are both facing double murder charges. Donald also faces charges for aggravated battery, possession of a firearm by a felon, and obstruction of justice. Boyd has additional charges related to attempted second-degree murder, battery, illegal transportation of weapons, and obstruction of justice.
Massey and Vanbren are both charged with battery against correctional facility staff, among other offenses.
Groves previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter and is awaiting sentencing.
Landry remarked, “If he had been sentenced already, he likely wouldn’t have had the chance to escape.”
Authorities have indicated the escapees could potentially make their way to other states, offering a reward of $20,000 for any information leading to their capture.
On Monday morning, Louisiana State Police provided updates, while the FBI and ATF did not respond to requests for comment.
