On Friday morning, an investigation was initiated following the escape of eight inmates, three of whom face murder charges, from a prison in northeastern Louisiana.
The Louisiana State Police confirmed that these individuals are categorized as “violent offenders” and were last seen missing from the Riverbend Detention Center around 1:20 a.m.
Currently, five inmates are still at large: Destin Brogan (22), Kellyn Rooney (21), Krisian Salinas (21), Kevin Slaughter (25), and Kopleron Vicknair (19).
Those apprehended after the escape include Hugo Molino, 27, Trenton Taplin, 29, and Savon Wheeler, 31.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has reached out to East Carroll Parish Sheriff Widett Williams and Kevin Cobb from the Louisiana Sheriff’s Association for support during this situation.
“I am actively monitoring the situation,” Murrill noted in a statement.
The East Carroll Parish Sheriff’s Office has requested that the Louisiana State Police’s Monroe Field Investigation Unit lead the efforts to locate and apprehend the escaped inmates.
Previously, the Sheriff’s Office personnel were primarily responsible for the search, but now this unit will take the lead in the investigations.
State police issued a warning advising the public, “Do not approach under any circumstances.”
If anyone has seen the inmates or has information regarding their whereabouts, they are urged to contact law enforcement immediately.
Details regarding how the escape occurred have not yet been disclosed by authorities. It’s a bit unsettling, really—just how did they manage that?
Local reports indicate that Taplin, who escaped, faces charges of first-degree murder and attempted murder, while Brogan and Rooney are charged with second-degree murder. Vicknair, it seems, is awaiting sentencing related to a murder case from 2023.
This story is evolving, so keep checking back for updates.
