Recently released video footage has shown ten inmates escaping from a prison in New Orleans on Friday.
The escape was made possible by the inmates drilling holes in the toilets of their cells. One of the holes had a cheeky message left by a prisoner, stating “smile laughing” right beside it.
Another message near the escape route read, “Catch us when you can” followed by “I/We are innocent.”
Many of the escapees were convicted of serious crimes, including murder or attempted murder. Among them were Derrick Groves, Jermaine Donald, Corey Boyd, and Gary Price.
Kendall Miles, aged 20, was captured shortly after fleeing the French Quarter, along with Dkenan Dennis and Robert Moody, who were apprehended soon after as well.
Seven fugitives are still unaccounted for, including Jermaine Donald, Antoine Massey, Leo Tate, Lenton Vanburen, Derrick Groves, Gary Price, and Corey Boyd.
Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson stated that a broken rock led to the escape, suggesting someone within the department may have assisted them.
“It’s almost impossible and not perfect, but it’s almost impossible for anyone to get out of this facility without help,” Hutson remarked.
The FBI is offering rewards of up to $5,000 for information that leads to the arrest of the remaining escapees, as some may have left the city or state entirely.
About 200 officials are currently involved in the manhunt, with state and federal authorities supporting the effort.
Authorities noted that a female employee who was monitoring the area was “stuck in” when the escape attempt happened. Three employees have since been suspended as part of the investigation.
