New Orleans Jail Escape: 3 Captured, 2 Still At Large
More Inmates Captured After New Orleans Jail Escape, Manhunt Continues
Updated May 27, 2024
Three more inmates who were part of a group of ten that escaped from a New Orleans jail earlier in May have been captured, according to Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill. The jail escape sparked a widespread manhunt. Two inmates remain at large.
Lenton vanburen, one of the New Orleans jail escapees, was apprehended in Baton Rouge, Murrill announced. separately, the Texas department of Public Safety arrested Leo Tate and Jermaine Donald in Walker County, Texas.
Vanburen was initially jailed for a parole violation, possession of a firearm by a felon, and illegally carrying a weapon, Murrill stated. Louisiana State Police reported the arrest of five individuals charged with accessory after the fact for allegedly assisting Vanburen.
Tate’s original charges included burglary, possession of a firearm by a felon, and illegally carrying a weapon.His criminal history also includes attempted second-degree murder, according to the attorney general. Donald was initially arrested on charges of second-degree murder, aggravated battery, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
Murrill confirmed that all three men will face additional charges related to the jailbreak.
The ten inmates escaped May 16. Surveillance video showed inmates forcing open a cell door around 12:22 a.m. CDT and breaching a wall behind the cell’s toilet. The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s office reported that video showed the inmates fleeing thru a loading dock around 1 a.m.
The escape went unnoticed until approximately 8:30 a.m. that Friday. No sheriff’s deputy was assigned to the area where the inmates initiated the jailbreak at the time of the escape.
Authorities have arrested at least 13 people in connection with the escape, including a jail maintenance worker accused of disabling water to a cell used in the escape.
What’s next
The search continues for the remaining two escapees, with law enforcement agencies coordinating efforts across state lines.