In a dramatic early morning escape from the Orleans Parish Justice Center in New Orleans, ten inmates broke out of their cell through a gaping hole in the wall—left exposed after the removal of a metal toilet and sink. Scrawled graffiti above the hole taunted authorities with phrases like “too easy. LOL,” and a cartoonish face with its tongue out.

Authorities say the escape, which occurred around 1 a.m. Friday, may have been aided by jail staff. Surveillance footage showed the inmates—having changed out of their orange uniforms into civilian clothes—exiting through a loading dock door, scaling a perimeter wall, and fleeing across an interstate.

Ongoing Manhunt and Arrests

Louisiana State Police confirmed that two of the escapees—Kendell Myles, 20, and Robert Moody, 21—were captured by Friday evening, one of them in the French Quarter. The remaining fugitives, including a convicted murderer, are considered "armed and dangerous."

Sheriff Susan Hutson admitted the escape likely involved internal assistance. “We have indications these detainees received help from individuals within our department,” she said.

A civilian staff member assigned to monitor security in that area of the jail had reportedly left his post to get food during the escape. Three staff members have since been suspended without pay.

Security Failures Under Scrutiny

Investigators are now piecing together how the inmates managed to breach multiple levels of security. Despite a 10:30 p.m. lockdown the night before, the inmates began manipulating a locked cell door at 12:23 a.m., eventually forcing it open.

Officials cited “defective locks and doors” as a key failure point. Jeworski Mallett, the chief of corrections, explained that the area of the jail from which the inmates escaped had sliding doors that could be easily forced off their tracks. He added that bolts securing the toilet and sink had been removed—likely from the outside.

“This could not have been done from inside the cell,” Mallett said. Authorities are investigating whether maintenance or construction crews were involved and reviewing who had access to the area.

Adding to the facility’s vulnerability: about one-third of the jail’s security cameras are currently nonfunctional, including three in the affected unit.

Delayed Public Notification and Backlash

The escape wasn’t discovered until a routine headcount at 8:30 a.m. Friday. By then, the inmates had already been on the run for hours. Sheriff Hutson said emergency protocols were immediately activated, and law enforcement agencies—including the U.S. Marshals, Louisiana State Police, and New Orleans Police—were notified by 9:30 a.m.

Critics argue the response came too late. “Someone clearly dropped the ball, and there’s no excuse for this,” said Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill. She called for a full investigation and accountability once the fugitives are recaptured.

Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams labeled the escape an “unprecedented failure,” voicing concern for witnesses involved in the fugitives’ cases. “This is a very dangerous situation made worse by poor leadership and a lack of transparency,” he said, also suggesting a grand jury may be convened.

Overcrowding and Infrastructure Concerns

The jail, designed to hold 1,250 inmates, currently houses about 1,500—well beyond capacity. Sheriff Hutson has previously warned that staffing is only sufficient for 900 inmates.

Despite a decline in violent crime, the jail has seen an increase in individuals detained for misdemeanors, placing added strain on infrastructure.

Reward Offered

The FBI is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the capture of any of the escapees. Crimestoppers GNO is offering an additional $2,000.

Governor Jeff Landry issued a stern warning on social media: “You can run, but you CANNOT HIDE. We will hunt each of you down.”