In a shocking and embarrassing breach of security, ten inmates—some charged with murder—escaped from the Orleans Parish Jail in New Orleans early Friday morning by removing a toilet and crawling through a utility wall. The jailbreak has now sparked a multi-agency manhunt and renewed scrutiny over the jail’s conditions and staffing.
How the Escape Happened
According to Sheriff Susan Hutson, the inmates were held in a shared cell and executed a bold plan in the early hours of the morning. They managed to:
- Break a sliding door off its tracks
- Remove a toilet unit from the wall
- Cut through metal bars in the wall behind it
This wall led to plumbing infrastructure, which allowed them to move undetected through the jail’s inner sections. Authorities suspect the escape was aided from inside, citing the “clean cuts” in the bars, which would have required tools not easily accessed by inmates.
Graffiti Found: “Too Easy LoL”
To make matters worse, the inmates left behind taunting graffiti, writing “To Easy LoL” near the escape route, along with a smiley face. The graffiti has not only embarrassed jail officials but also drawn national attention, especially because this jail has long been criticized for poor security and overcrowding.
Escapees Considered Armed and Dangerous
As of Saturday, one of the ten escapees—Kendall Myles—has been caught. He was located hiding under a car in the French Quarter, identified using facial recognition technology.
The other nine escapees are still on the run. Authorities have described them as armed and dangerous, and the FBI, U.S. Marshals, and local law enforcement are all involved in the manhunt.
Law enforcement officials have also contacted victims and families connected to the escapees’ criminal cases, warning them of the situation.
A Jail with a Troubled Past
The Orleans Parish Jail, located just two miles from the French Quarter, has been under fire for years. Past issues include:
- Understaffing
- Overcrowding
- Frequent fights and security breaches
- Poor living conditions for inmates and staff alike
This latest escape is raising questions again about the management of the facility and whether internal assistance played a role in the breach.
Community Safety and Public Response
New Orleans residents are being urged to remain vigilant. Police are asking the public to report any suspicious activity and avoid approaching the escapees.
Sheriff Hutson assured that her department is “doing everything possible to bring the remaining escapees back into custody” and to review jail security systems to prevent similar events in the future.