In what resembled a scene from a crime thriller, ten inmates pulled off a daring prison break last week at the Orleans Justice Center in New Orleans.The prisoners escaped by cutting through steel bars behind a metal toilet and sink unit in their cell, squeezing through a small hole to freedom. Before fleeing, they taunted authorities by spray-painting “Too Easy LoL” on the wall.The jailbreak sparked an immediate high-profile manhunt. Of the ten escapees, five have been recaptured within New Orleans city limits and are now held at the maximum-security Louisiana State Penitentiary. However, five remain at large and are considered armed and dangerous.How did the inmates escape?Authorities think the inmates used a tool to cut through steel bars behind the toilet and sink in their cell. Jail worker Sterling Williams was arrested and charged with helping the escape and committing wrongdoing at work. He reportedly gave in to threats from the prisoners and turned off the water to their cell, letting them take apart the toilet and sink to make the hole they escaped through.Williams told investigators that one inmate threatened to stab him with a homemade knife, or “shank,” if he did not follow orders.The escape and manhuntThe breakout occurred on May 16, during a prisoner transfer back to holding cells following court proceedings. CCTV footage circulated online shows inmates sprinting down a courthouse corridor past a lone, outnumbered police officer who attempts to stop them but is quickly overwhelmed.Following the breakout, law enforcement swiftly recaptured five of the fugitives, including 19-year-old Corey Boyd, who faced charges of second-degree murder, attempted murder, aggravated battery, and threatening a public official. Boyd now faces an additional charge of simple escape.The remaining five fugitives are:
- Jermaine Donald, 42 – Charged with second-degree murder, aggravated battery, and possession of a firearm.
- Derrick Groves, 27 – Convicted of multiple second-degree murders and attempted murders; awaiting sentencing on manslaughter charges.
- Antoine T. Massey, 32 – Facing charges of domestic abuse involving strangulation, theft, and a warrant for second-degree
rape and kidnapping. - Leo Tate, 31 – Charged with burglary, drug possession, theft of a motor vehicle, and obstruction of justice.
- Lenton Vanburen, 26 – Arrested on charges including second-degree murder, armed robbery, and battery of a correctional officer.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill praised law enforcement’s efforts but warned the fugitives remain highly dangerous. “Five remain at large and are considered to be armed and dangerous,” she said.Concerns over security and safetyThe incident has reignited serious questions over jail and courthouse security protocols. The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) said that this was the second escape involving awaiting trial detainees in under a month. The union called for urgent review and tightening of security procedures during prisoner transport and court appearances.Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams revealed the fallout from the escape extends beyond the fugitives. “Two of the lawyers who prosecuted Derrick Groves have left town with their families out of fear of retribution,” he said. “I am personally afraid.”
