The Escape and Its Unfolding
At approximately 12:23 a.m., inmates exploited a structural weakness in a cell block by removing a toilet and cutting through a wall. Surveillance footage captured the inmates fleeing from a loading dock and scaling a perimeter fence as they crossed Interstate 10. The breach went unnoticed until a routine headcount at 8:30 a.m. revealed the disappearance of the prisoners. Early investigations suggest that the inmates may have received help from inside personnel, as three jail employees have since been suspended pending further inquiry.
Law Enforcement Response and Reward Increase
A coordinated response was launched immediately following the discovery of the escape. The FBI, U.S. Marshals, ATF, Louisiana State Police, and the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) quickly mobilized, deploying drones, aircraft, and facial recognition technology to track down the fugitives. In response to the ongoing threat, authorities have raised the reward to $20,000 per inmate. This enhanced incentive comes from contributions by the FBI, ATF, and CrimeStoppers, and is intended to spur community tips that may lead to the apprehension of these dangerous individuals.
FBI Special Agent Jonathan Trapp issued a stern warning that anyone aiding the escapees would face immediate arrest and legal repercussions. Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson emphasized that the jail’s security failures were at the heart of the incident, while Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill underscored the urgency of returning the fugitives to custody in order to protect public safety.
A Detailed Timeline of Events
The jailbreak unfolded rapidly over a matter of hours. The escape began at 12:23 a.m. when the inmates breached their cells, and by 1:01 a.m., surveillance cameras were capturing their flight through the facility’s rear. It wasn’t until 8:30 a.m., during a standard headcount, that jail officials discovered the mass escape. Later in the morning, law enforcement agencies from various jurisdictions were alerted, and by mid-day the names of the escapees were released. One of the fugitives was arrested near the French Quarter, leaving seven still at large as of May 19, 2025. Authorities continue to investigate both the methods employed and the internal lapses that allowed the escape to occur.
Community Impact and Public Safety Measures
New Orleans residents have experienced a palpable sense of unease since the breakout. Several local schools imposed lockdowns and, in some cases, closed for the day as a preventive measure, disrupting the routines of countless families. Public spaces and businesses near the jail have likewise heightened security and, in certain areas, been temporarily shuttered. Authorities have issued multiple advisories urging the community to remain vigilant, report any suspicious activity, and avoid any confrontations with the fugitive inmates.
Increased patrols and active surveillance in the affected neighborhoods aim to both reassure the public and prevent further criminal activity. City officials and law enforcement leaders are working closely to improve communication, as delays in notifying the public have been sharply criticized in the wake of the incident.
Profiles of the Seven Fugitive Inmates
The seven inmates still at large are considered armed and extremely dangerous. Their identities and charges, as released by police, are as follows:
• Antoine Massey is accused of domestic abuse and car theft.
• Lenton Vanburen faces charges related to illegally carrying weapons, obstruction of justice, and introducing contraband into the facility.
• Leo Tate has been charged with burglary and possessing a weapon as a felon.
• Jermaine Donald is wanted on charges of weapon possession.
• Corey Boyd stands accused of second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, and threatening a law enforcement officer.
• Gary Price is facing multiple charges including assault, domestic abuse, battery, and criminal damage.
• Derrick Groves, 27, has a record including two counts of second-degree murder from a 2024 conviction.
Law enforcement stresses that because these individuals are considered highly dangerous, citizens should not attempt to confront them. Instead, any sightings or related information should be immediately communicated to the appropriate authorities.
Ongoing Investigation and Future Safeguards
In response to the escape, Governor Jeff Landry has ordered a comprehensive audit of the Orleans Parish Jail and mandated the immediate removal of state inmates from the facility. The incident has not only raised serious questions regarding jail security and staff oversight but also prompted demands for systemic reforms. The partial success of the manhunt is being used to galvanize further measures to bolster correctional facility security and prevent future incidents of this nature.
With the reward at an all-time high of $20,000 per fugitive and law enforcement agencies increasing their efforts, community cooperation remains critical. Officials continue to call for vigilance and swift action from the public, emphasizing that any tip—even seemingly minor—could help bring dangerous criminals to justice and restore public confidence in local security.
