As of today, May 23, 2025, five of the ten inmates who escaped from the Orleans Parish Justice Center in New Orleans on May 16 remain at large.

As noted here, authorities have arrested several individuals accused of aiding the escapees, including jail maintenance worker Sterling Williams, who allegedly facilitated the breach under duress, and several accomplices who provided transportation and financial support.

The escape involved inmates exploiting a structural flaw in their cell, removing a toilet and sink unit, and creating a hole in the wall to access a loading dock. They then scaled a wall and fled across a highway, evading detection for several hours. Security footage revealed graffiti messages such as “To Easy LoL” and “We Innocent” left behind by the escapees (here).

The incident has intensified scrutiny on the Orleans Parish jail system, which has faced longstanding issues with staffing and infrastructure (here). Sheriff Susan Hutson acknowledged the facility’s severe resource shortages and warned of future risks without significant funding increases.

The manhunt continues as law enforcement agencies pursue leads to apprehend the remaining escapees, who are considered armed and dangerous. The public is urged to report any information related to their whereabouts to local authorities.

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Published by HOLR Magazine