"Manhunt Underway: Seven Inmates Escape from Orleans Parish Prison in New Orleans"
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"Manhunt Underway: Seven Inmates Escape from Orleans Parish Prison in New Orleans"
[!CDATA[A manhunt is currently underway in Louisiana for seven of the ten inmates who escaped from Orleans Parish Prison in New Orleans. The inmates, including some facing murder charges, broke out of the jail with the potential help of jail employees. By May 17, three of the escaped inmates had been recaptured, leaving seven still at large. Local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies are actively searching for the remaining fugitives. The escape occurred when the inmates removed a defective cell door and made their way through a hole in the wall behind a toilet and sink unit. Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson stated that the inmates likely received assistance from individuals within the jail to breach the wall near the toilets. Security footage captured the inmates tampering with the cell door, escaping through a loading dock, and running across a highway. A jail employee witnessed the escape on surveillance but failed to report it, indicating possible inside assistance. The city of New Orleans and its police department have urged residents and visitors to remain vigilant during the manhunt and report any suspicious activity. The reward for information leading to an arrest has been increased to $12,000 by the Louisiana State Police. Orleans Parish Chief of Corrections Jeworski Mallett emphasized that the inmates, including several high-security prisoners convicted of violent crimes, required a restrictive housing environment that was lacking in the jail. The recaptured inmates, Kendell Myles, Robert Moody, and Dkenan Dennis, were awaiting trial on various felony charges, including attempted murder, armed robberies, aggravated assault, battery, extortion, illegally carrying weapons, and illegal drug possession offenses. The escaped inmates facing murder or attempted murder charges include Gary C. Price, Jermaine Donald, and Antoine T. Massey. The specific additional charges the inmates might face following their escape remain unclear. The manhunt for the remaining seven escaped inmates continues, with law enforcement agencies working diligently to locate and apprehend them. The community is urged to assist in reporting any information that may lead to the capture of the fugitives. The escape from Orleans Parish Prison has raised concerns about security protocols and potential inside assistance, prompting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the breakout.]]