Ten Inmates Escape New Orleans Jail in Daring Breakout
On May 16, ten inmates made a bold escape from a New Orleans jail, crawling through a hole behind a toilet and leaving a cheeky message on the wall: “To Easy LOL.” This incident has prompted a large manhunt, with law enforcement still searching for five of the escapees nearly a week later.
Authorities have confirmed that they managed to recapture five of the ten inmates. Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson referred to the escape as an "inside job," highlighting the involvement of a jail maintenance worker who has since been arrested.
Sterling Williams, 33, is accused of helping the inmates by shutting off water to a toilet and sink. He claims he was threatened and complied with their demands. Instead of reporting the situation, he allegedly aided the escape plan, allowing two inmates to break through the walls after removing the plumbing.
Surveillance footage shows the inmates dismantling the cell’s fixtures and escaping through the created hole. Officials believe there was more planning behind the escape, suggesting that Williams had been involved for several days before the escape took place.
Williams is facing serious charges, with his bond set at $1.1 million. Law enforcement is urging the public to report any information regarding the remaining escapees, who have been on the run for days.
The escapees range in age from 19 to 42 and have various criminal backgrounds, including serious offenses like murder and domestic abuse. Some of the captured individuals have already re-entered custody, while others remain free. Videos from outside the prison captured some of the escapees fleeing through traffic and later spotted in the French Quarter.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident as they strive to ensure the community’s safety and restore trust in law enforcement.
