Manhunt Underway After 11 "Armed and Dangerous" Inmates Escape New Orleans Jail

New Orleans jail escapees, Kendall Myles, captured in the French Quarter Friday, May 16, 2025 in New Orleans.

A massive manhunt is underway after eleven inmates escaped from the Orleans Parish Jail in New Orleans early Friday morning. The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office confirmed the inmates, all considered armed and dangerous, were discovered missing during a routine headcount conducted at 8:30 a.m. Authorities believe the escape occurred shortly after midnight.

One of the escapees, identified as Kendell Myles, has already been apprehended in downtown New Orleans. Law enforcement officials said Myles was captured with the help of facial recognition technology after being spotted on surveillance footage. He was found hiding beneath a car in the Hotel Monteleone parking garage and taken into custody without incident after attempting to flee on foot.

The inmates left mocking messages written in pen around the gap in the wall

The remaining ten inmates are believed to still be in the New Orleans area. The Orleans Parish Jail remains on lockdown as the search intensifies. A statement from the sheriff's office confirmed, "A search for the individuals is currently underway, OPSO is working with local and state law enforcement agencies on the search to return them to custody."

New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick stated that the department’s violent offender warrant squad, along with the FBI, U.S. Marshals, and Louisiana State Police, are actively involved in the search. All of the escapees were being held in the same tier of the jail and face charges related to violent crimes, including murder.

A jail cell at the Orleans Parish Jail. The sheriff's office said 11 inmates escaped from the facility. One inmate was captured shortly afterward, multiple law enforcement agents launched a manhunt to locate the others

Kirkpatrick confirmed that several victims tied to the inmates’ cases have been notified. In at least one case, police relocated a family from their home to ensure their safety. Authorities are urging anyone who was a victim or witness in the escapees’ criminal cases to contact law enforcement for assistance.

Police have not yet released a full set of updated photographs of the escapees. Kirkpatrick suggested that the inmates likely had outside help and have changed out of their prison-issued jumpsuits to avoid detection.

Jermaine Donald is one of the 10 prisoners still on the loose in Louisiana. The 42-year-old was in jail for murder and aggravated battery

She also issued a stern warning to the public: “If anyone is found harboring or assisting these individuals in any way, they will be charged.”

The search remains active and ongoing, with law enforcement agencies coordinating across city and state lines to recapture the escapees.

Antoine Massey, 32, was jailed for domestic abuse and theft, but is currently on the run after taking part in today's prison break.

Gary Price, a 21-year-old who had been convicted of three counts of attempted murder, is among the 10 men still at large today.

Corey Boyd was serving a sentence for murder, attempted murder and aggravated battery when he escaped from the Orleans Justice Center prison this morning

Derrick Groves, 27, who was jailed for murder and attempted murder, is among the escapees.

Leo Tate, 32, was in prison for burglary and illegal carrying of a weapon

Lenton Venburen, 26, was found to be carrying an illegal weapon