Inmate Recaptures Continue Following Orleans Justice Center Escape
In Louisiana, the pursuit of escapees from the Orleans Justice Center continues as law enforcement agencies work tirelessly to recapture those who have fled. Recently, Gary C. Price, one of the ten inmates who made a daring escape last Friday, was apprehended by the Louisiana State Police. This brings the total number of recaptured escapees to four, with six still at large.
Authorities reported that 21-year-old Price was discovered hiding in an abandoned house on Good Drive. He was originally wanted for an attempted first-degree murder charge, adding to the seriousness of the situation.
The escape incident raises troubling questions about security within the facility. Sheriff Susan Hutson expressed concerns that the breakout was not just a result of the inmates’ cunning but involved assistance from within the jail. As a consequence, three staff members have been suspended while an internal investigation takes place. Hutson revealed that the officer responsible for the housing unit where the escapees were kept had left the area, apparently to fetch food, leaving the inmates unattended. It was during this time that they managed to unlock a cell door, remove a toilet from the wall, and access the recreation yard before scaling a fence and escaping the facility entirely.
A quick response from law enforcement led to the recapture of three of the escapees — Kendall Myles, Dkenan Dennis, and Robert Moody — within just 24 hours. These men were subsequently taken out of New Orleans via a secure helicopter flight to a state correctional facility, signaling a serious effort to ensure that such incidents do not happen again.
The local community surely remains on edge as six escapees are still unaccounted for, many of whom face serious charges. Among the remaining fugitives are:
- Derrick Groves, who has a conviction for the murder of two individuals during Mardi Gras celebrations in 2018.
- Antoine Massy, who has a history of domestic abuse, vehicle theft, and prior escape attempts dating back to 2007. He is also wanted in St. Tammany Parish for kidnapping and rape.
- Lenton Vanburen, accused of a homicide in New Orleans East in 2021.
- Jermaine Donald, facing multiple charges, including attempted second-degree murder and obstruction of justice.
- Leo Tate, who awaits trial on charges of burglary, drug offenses, and weapons violations.
- Corey Boyd, accused of murder during a car burglary in 2024.
Federal, state, and local law enforcement are actively conducting searches across the area to find and apprehend these dangerous individuals. The fact that the escape was facilitated by apparent internal failings has prompted advocates for reform to call for stricter oversight of correctional facilities. This incident brings to light essential discussions regarding public safety and the management of those who pose a significant risk to society.
As law enforcement ramps up efforts to track down the remaining escapees, community members are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The collective aim is to restore order and confidence in the safety of their neighborhoods while addressing systemic issues within the correctional system that may have allowed this incident to occur.
The recent escape has emphasized the need for renewed focus on security protocols in correctional facilities, alongside the importance of maintaining the integrity of law enforcement’s role in protecting the public. As this story unfolds, both the public and officials will be closely watching how the situation develops. The hope is that swift justice will prevail, ensuring those who threaten community safety are back behind bars where they belong.
