Introduction to the Escape
Photos released Friday by the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office offer a look at how officials believe 10 inmates escaped from a jail in New Orleans.
The photos appear to show a large, rectangular hole leading outside the cell. The hole, which has some metal bars, is cut behind where a sink and toilet typically sit.
Details of the Escape
Horizontal bars that should be in the top half of the opening appear to be missing.
Inside of a prison cell where the escape is believed to have happened, at Orleans Parish Justice Center on Friday. Phrases containing profanity blurred by NBC News. (Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office)
It was not immediately clear if the inmates created the opening or if they discovered it and planned an escape around it.
The inmates appeared to have written messages around the opening in the wall, including "To Easy Lol" and "We Innocent."
Inside of a prison cell where the escape is believed to have happened, at Orleans Parish Justice Center on Friday. Phrases containing profanity blurred by NBC News. (Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office)
Investigation and Manhunt
Other photos released by officials appear to show the toilet pulled from the wall where it had presumably been attached. Pipes that served the toilet appear to be disconnected.
Inside of a prison cell where the escape is believed to have happened, at Orleans Parish Justice Center on Friday. Phrases containing profanity blurred by NBC News. (Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office)
At an afternoon news conference, Sheriff Susan Hutson said that it was difficult for inmates to escape without outside help and that officials are investigating whether anyone aided the escapees. She later said there is indication the escapees had help from individuals inside the department.
She said that defective locks on jail cells contributed to the escape. Detainees were pulling on the cells, breaking them off their tracks, she said, around 12:23 a.m., when they were able to break open a door.
They escaped after 1 a.m. through the hole in the wall before exiting a door, scaling a wall and running across a major road, Hutson said.
The inmates were discovered to be missing during a routine head count at 8:30 a.m.
Inside of a prison cell where the escape is believed to have happened, at Orleans Parish Justice Center on Friday. Phrases containing profanity blurred by NBC News. (Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office)
Apprehension of Escapees
Three of the men, Kendall Myles, Robert Moody and Dkenan Dennis, were apprehended Friday by police.
The remaining seven men remain on the run, and officials have said they should be considered armed and dangerous.
Conclusion
The escape of the 10 inmates from the Orleans Parish Jail is a serious incident that raises concerns about the security and safety of the facility. The investigation is ongoing, and officials are working to apprehend the remaining escapees.
FAQs
Q: How many inmates escaped from the Orleans Parish Jail?
A: 10 inmates escaped from the jail.
Q: How did the inmates escape?
A: The inmates escaped through a hole in the wall of their cell, which was cut behind a sink and toilet.
Q: Were the inmates aided in their escape?
A: Officials are investigating whether anyone aided the escapees, and there is indication that they had help from individuals inside the department.
Q: How many of the escapees have been apprehended?
A: Three of the men, Kendall Myles, Robert Moody and Dkenan Dennis, were apprehended Friday by police.
Q: What is the status of the remaining escapees?
A: The remaining seven men remain on the run and should be considered armed and dangerous.
