New Orleans, May 17, 2025 — A major manhunt is underway after 10 inmates, some facing serious charges including murder, escaped from the Orleans Parish Jail in New Orleans early Friday morning. One escapee has since been recaptured, but nine remain at large.
Authorities say the inmates likely received assistance from inside the jail.
“There’s no way for anyone to get out of this facility without help,” Sheriff Susan Hutson stated during a press briefing.
Escape Uncovered During Routine Headcount
The breakout is believed to have occurred around 12:23 a.m., but jail staff did not realize the prisoners were missing until a routine 8:30 a.m. headcount.
Initial reports suggested 11 inmates had escaped, but that number was later revised to 10.
Method of Escape: A Toilet and a Hole in the Wall
The escape plan appeared calculated. Sheriff Hutson revealed that the inmates dismantled a sliding cell door, tore a toilet off the wall, and broke through metal bars around a plumbing access hole.
Photos released by the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office show a jagged hole where the toilet once stood. Graffiti left behind included taunting messages like “To Easy LoL” with arrows pointing toward the escape route. Another message encouraged officers to “catch us if you can.”
After breaking through the wall, the inmates reportedly scaled down a wall and crossed a highway near the facility.
One Inmate Caught, Nine Considered Armed and Dangerous
One escapee, Kendall Myles, was captured in New Orleans’ French Quarter. He was identified using facial recognition technology and apprehended while hiding under a parked car in a garage.
The other nine inmates are still at large and are considered armed and dangerous, according to officials.
Investigations Point to Possible Inside Help
Authorities, including New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick, believe the inmates could not have escaped without assistance from jail staff or external accomplices.
“This is an urgent and serious situation,” Kirkpatrick said, urging the public to report any suspicious behavior. She added that anyone found helping the fugitives will face prosecution.
FBI and U.S. Marshals Join Search
The FBI and U.S. Marshals Service have joined the New Orleans Police Department in the manhunt. The escape has raised concerns among city residents, as the Orleans Parish Jail is just 3 km (2 miles) from the French Quarter, a popular tourist destination.
Photos and names of the remaining escapees have been released to the public. Several of the fugitives face violent charges, including murder, and their victims have been notified.
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