Authorities have recaptured three additional inmates who escaped from a New Orleans jail earlier this month, as the multi-state manhunt continues for the two still at large.
Louisiana State Police confirmed Monday that one escapee was arrested in Baton Rouge, while the other two were taken into custody in Walker County, Texas. The arrests came more than a week after the group’s daring breakout. Further details about the latest captures have not yet been released.
The escape occurred on May 16, when a group of inmates exploited a series of security failures: prying open a faulty cell door, slipping through a hole behind a toilet, scaling a barbed-wire fence, and vanishing into the night. Their disappearance went unnoticed until a routine headcount the following morning. Investigators later found graffiti left behind that mocked the jail’s security lapses—“To Easy LoL” scrawled on the wall with an arrow pointing to the escape route.
The three most recently captured escapees have been identified as Lenton Vanburen, Leo Tate, and Jermaine Donald. They join five others—Dkenan Dennis, Corey Boyd, Gary C. Price, Kendell Myles, and Robert Moody—who had previously been recaptured.
Most of the fugitives were facing serious charges, including murder, and were awaiting trial or sentencing at the time of their escape.
The investigation into the jailbreak has led to multiple arrests beyond the inmates. A jail maintenance worker was detained for allegedly disabling the toilet’s water supply—an act authorities say directly contributed to the escape. The worker told investigators he had been coerced by one of the inmates.
In addition, four individuals have been arrested for allegedly assisting the escapees during their time on the run.
The search continues for the final two fugitives. Authorities urge the public to remain alert and report any sightings.
