New Orleans Prison Break: 5 Still on the Run
In a brazen escape reminiscent of a crime movie, ten inmates broke out of the Orleans Justice Center in New Orleans last week.
The Escape
The prisoners managed to cut through steel bars behind a metal toilet and sink unit within their cell. After squeezing through a small opening, they spray-painted “Too Easy LoL” on the wall, mocking the authorities.
Manhunt and Recapture
A massive manhunt was immediately launched. Five of the ten escapees have been recaptured within New Orleans and are now held at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, a maximum-security facility.
The Fugitives
However, five remain at large and are considered armed and dangerous. They 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, second-degree rape and kidnapping warrant.
- 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.
Inside Job?
Authorities believe the inmates used a tool to cut through the steel bars. Jail worker Sterling Williams has been arrested for allegedly helping the escape. He is accused of giving in to prisoner threats and turning off the water to their cell, allowing them to dismantle the toilet and sink. Williams claimed an inmate threatened him with a shank.
Security Concerns
The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) has raised serious concerns about jail and courthouse security, noting this is the second escape involving awaiting trial detainees in under a month. District Attorney Jason Williams revealed that lawyers who prosecuted Derrick Groves have fled out of fear of retribution.
