Ten inmates escaped a New Orleans jail via a hole in their cell. Seven remain at large; officials suspect inside help. Security concerns persist.
In a stunning security lapse, ten inmates escaped from a New Orleans jail. They exploited a hole behind a toilet in their cell and scaled a wall while the assigned guard was absent getting food.
Seven remain at large, including suspects charged with murder. Surveillance footage shows the escapees fleeing, some using blankets to overcome barbed wire. Authorities believe inside help may have been involved in the audacious escape.
The escape went unnoticed for hours until a routine morning headcount. Sheriff Susan Hutson blames defective locks and potential internal assistance. Three employees have been suspended as investigations continue.
The fugitives range in age from 19 to 42. One, Derrick Groves, was convicted of murder. Corey Boyd faces a pending murder charge.
Officials are working to apprehend the remaining escapees, utilizing facial recognition technology. District Attorney Jason Williams criticized the sheriff's office for the delay in reporting the escape, calling it an inexcusable failure.
The jail has been under federal monitoring for years due to persistent security concerns.