On May 16, 2025, a significant security breach occurred at the Orleans Justice Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, when ten inmates escaped from the facility. This incident has raised serious concerns about the security measures in place at the jail and has prompted investigations into potential internal assistance and systemic failures. (The Guardian)
Overview of the Escape
The escape was discovered during a routine headcount at 8:30 a.m. on May 16. Initially, it was reported that eleven inmates had escaped, but this number was later corrected to ten. The inmates exploited a hole behind a toilet in their shared cell to access a maintenance area, eventually reaching a loading dock and scaling the facility's perimeter wall using blankets to avoid barbed wire. (People.com, The Sun)
"This was a serious security breach that should never have happened. We're investigating all possible angles, including potential inside assistance." - Sheriff's Office Spokesperson
Profiles of the Escapees
The ten escapees were all male, aged between 21 and 42, and were facing serious charges, including murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, and weapons violations. Notably, Derrick Groves, recently convicted of multiple murders, was among those who escaped. As of the latest reports, three of the escapees—Kendell Myles, Robert Moody, and Dkenan Dennis—have been recaptured, while seven remain at large. (The Sun, The Guardian)
| Name | Age | Charges | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Derrick Groves | 35 | Multiple murders | At large |
| Kendell Myles | 28 | Armed robbery, attempted murder | Recaptured |
| Robert Moody | 42 | Murder, weapons violations | Recaptured |
| Dkenan Dennis | 31 | Armed robbery, assault | Recaptured |
| Travis Johnson | 24 | Attempted murder | At large |
| Marcus Williams | 21 | Armed robbery | At large |
Security Lapses and Internal Assistance
The escape highlighted significant security lapses within the Orleans Justice Center. Surveillance footage revealed that the inmates dismantled a toilet-sink unit to create an escape route, exploiting defective locks and security lapses. At the time of the escape, the only assigned guard had temporarily left the area to get food, suggesting a significant lapse in security. Authorities suspect possible insider assistance from within the sheriff's department, leading to the suspension of three jail employees pending investigation. (WSJ, The Guardian, The Times of India)
Public Safety and Law Enforcement Response
In response to the escape, local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies have launched a full-scale search for the remaining fugitives. The public has been warned that the escapees are considered armed and dangerous, and residents are urged to report any suspicious activity. Authorities have emphasized that anyone found aiding the escapees will face charges as accomplices. (The Guardian, New York Post)
Historical Context and Facility Background
The Orleans Justice Center, opened in 2015, is a 433,000-square-foot facility with over 1,400 beds, primarily housing pretrial detainees. The jail has a history of scrutiny, being under a federal consent decree since 2016 for past civil rights violations. The escape occurred shortly after a narrowly approved property tax renewal intended to support jail maintenance and staffing, raising further questions about the facility's security and oversight. (WSJ, The Guardian)
Conclusion
The May 16 escape from the Orleans Justice Center underscores the critical need for robust security measures and oversight within correctional facilities. As investigations continue, it is imperative that systemic issues are addressed to prevent future incidents and ensure the safety of both inmates and the public. (The Guardian)