New Orleans, May 17, 2025 — Ten inmates, some facing serious violent charges including murder, escaped from the Orleans Parish Jail early Friday in a dramatic jailbreak that authorities suspect was aided by inside help.
The inmates broke free by ripping a toilet from the wall and crawling through a gap in the facility’s infrastructure, according to the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office. As of Saturday, only one escapee has been recaptured. The remaining nine are considered “armed and dangerous.”
‘Too Easy LOL’ Message Mocks Authorities
Photos released by the Sheriff’s Office show the inside of the escape cell, with a gaping hole in the wall behind where a toilet once stood. Written in pen above the hole is the mocking phrase: “To Easy LOL”, with an arrow pointing directly to the escape route.
The escape occurred at around 12:23 a.m. Friday and was only discovered during an 8:30 a.m. headcount. Sheriff Susan Huston confirmed: “There’s no way for anyone to get out of this facility without help.”
One Inmate Captured, Nine Still on the Run
Kendall Myles, one of the fugitives, was identified through facial recognition software and apprehended while hiding beneath a car in a New Orleans parking garage. He has been returned to the jail and now faces a new charge of Simple Escape.
The New Orleans Police Department has released names and photographs of the other nine escapees, all considered extremely dangerous. Police urge residents to avoid confrontation and report any suspicious behavior.
How the Escape Happened
Authorities say the inmates forcibly removed the sliding cell door from its track before removing a toilet, revealing a pipe-access area. They then cut through metal bars and exited through the hole, climbed down a wall, and ran across a nearby highway.
Photos released show “clean cuts” on the metal bars, suggesting the use of tools and possible premeditation. Graffiti left behind taunted guards further, with a smiley face and a smudged message implying authorities wouldn’t be able to catch them.
FBI, US Marshals Join the Search
The FBI and US Marshals have joined state and local police in a sweeping manhunt. Orleans Parish Jail is located just 3 km (2 miles) from the French Quarter, a popular tourist destination. Authorities are concerned the escapees may blend in with the public if not already in hiding.
“This is an urgent and serious situation. We are doing everything we can to bring them back into custody,” said Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick.
Several of the escaped inmates are facing murder charges, and Kirkpatrick noted that some victims’ families have already been notified. Investigators believe the prisoners may have ditched their uniforms and received outside assistance.
Inside Job Allegations Mount
“This kind of escape doesn’t happen without inside help,” Sheriff Huston emphasized. The possibility of corrupt staff facilitating the jailbreak is under active investigation. Anyone found aiding the fugitives will face criminal prosecution.
Related Reading:
- Most Notorious US Jailbreaks of the 21st Century
- How Prison Security Breaches Happen
- Kendall Myles: Charges and Background
Short URL: short.url/neworleansjailbreak
Report tips to NOPD or call the anonymous hotline at 1-800-CATCHME.