7 Inmates Who Escaped From Jail Are Still At Large As Search Enters 4th Day

The search for seven escaped inmates from the Orleans Justice Center in New Orleans continues into its fourth day on Monday (May 19). Local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies are intensifying efforts to recapture the fugitives, who escaped early Friday morning by removing a toilet and breaching a wall behind it. They then exited through a loading dock door and scaled fences to escape under the cover of darkness.

The escape was discovered during a routine headcount at 8:30 a.m. on Friday. As of Monday morning, authorities have captured three of the escapees: Kendell Myles, Robert Moody, and Dkenan Dennis. The remaining fugitives are still at large and considered armed and dangerous.

State Police Superintendent Col. Robert Hodges expressed confidence in the intelligence gathered on the fugitives, stating, "We are confident at this time that we have actual intelligence on all seven of those fugitives. We hope that in the coming days, if not the coming hours, that we have them all apprehended."

Governor Jeff Landry held a press conference on Sunday, expressing frustration with the response from Orleans Parish officials and announcing an investigation into the escape. He increased the reward to $20,000 per inmate and tasked the Louisiana Attorney General with investigating the incident. The state's Department of Corrections is also conducting an audit of the jail's compliance with correctional standards.

Sheriff Susan Hutson acknowledged infrastructure problems at the jail, including broken locks and malfunctioning security cameras, and confirmed suspicions of inside assistance in the escape. An internal investigation is underway, and three employees have been suspended.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell urged residents to remain vigilant, stating, "Our focus remains the same. Manhunt. We will get it done." The FBI has set up a dedicated web page for fugitive tips, and Crimestoppers is offering up to $20,000 per fugitive for information leading to their capture.

Public safety officials urge anyone with information to call 911 immediately.