Recently, a Congressman likened a notable prison escape in New Orleans to a scene from “The Shawshank Redemption,” indicating a situation where seven of ten escapees remained at large over the weekend.
The missing inmate was discovered absent during a routine check at 8:30 AM on Friday at the Orleans Parish Jail. Authorities believe these inmates fled shortly after midnight, and all were classified as “armed and dangerous.” There are suspicions about possible inside assistance, as reported.
Derrick Groves, one of the escapees, was convicted for murder related to a shooting during Mardi Gras in 2018.
New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick has urged the public to report any sightings or information regarding the escapees, especially if anyone has been a victim or witness to their activities.
Sheriff Susan Hutson revealed that the inmate had breached a wall behind the toilet to make his escape between 12:23 AM and 1:01 AM, employing tools taken from the toilet facilities.
Echoing “The Shawshank Redemption,” these inmates had a significant head start of about eight hours. One inmate even left behind a cheeky note, simply stating, “LOL,” scribbled on the wall.
After making their escape, the inmates reportedly climbed down the wall and ran towards an interstate.
Video footage released by the sheriff’s office depicts the moment of escape, showing how the inmates pulled a truck before sprinting across the highway.
Aside from Groves, others still unaccounted for include Corey Boyd, Jermaine Donald, Renton Vanbren, Antoine Massey, Leo Tate, and Gary Price.
Authorities have managed to capture Kendel Miles, Robert Moody, and Doken Dennis.
According to Louisiana State Police, the captured inmates were transferred to “safe state facilities,” while efforts remain to locate the seven still on the loose.
Republican Rep. Mike Bayham criticized Sheriff Hutson and the local criminal justice system, commenting on the growing concerns regarding public safety.
Hutson explained the delay in identifying the escape and stated that priorities had to be set to ensure the victims’ safety first.
He acknowledged that the escape may have had assistance from prison staff or deputies. Kirkpatrick mentioned that authorities had alerted some victims about the escape, noting that some victims were facing serious violent charges. Precautions have already been made for their safety.
The sheriff’s office has emphasized that funding for prison security upgrades has long been needed, estimating the cost to replace a lock alone at $5.2 million.
