NEW ORLEANS, LA — Three of the ten inmates who escaped from the Orleans Parish Justice Center on May 16 have now been recaptured, with two caught in Texas and one in Baton Rouge. Authorities continue to search for the two remaining fugitives.
Captures in Texas and Louisiana
On Monday, law enforcement officials arrested Leo Tate and Jermaine Donald in Walker County, Texas. The two men were found after a vehicle pursuit that ended near Huntsville. Both were taken into custody without further incident.
In a separate arrest, Lenton Vanburen was captured in Baton Rouge. All three were returned to custody and face additional charges for their roles in the escape.
- Jermaine Donald, 42 – initially jailed for second-degree murder and weapons charges
- Leo Tate, 31 – facing burglary and illegal weapons possession charges
- Lenton Vanburen, 26 – jailed for parole violations and possession of a firearm
Background on the Escape
The jailbreak on May 16 was discovered during a morning headcount. Investigators say the inmates dismantled a cell door and removed plumbing fixtures to access a breach in the wall, eventually escaping through a loading dock. They reportedly scaled fencing and fled across a nearby highway.
A jail maintenance worker, Sterling Williams, has been arrested for allegedly helping facilitate the escape by shutting off water access to the cell—making it easier for the inmates to remove a sink and toilet to reach the breach point.
Two Escapees Still Missing
As of Tuesday morning, two inmates remain unaccounted for:
- Derrick Groves, 27
- Antoine Massey, 32
Both are considered dangerous. Authorities have issued a $20,000 reward for information that leads to their capture.
Jail Under Scrutiny
The escape has intensified criticism of the Orleans Parish Justice Center. Sheriff Susan Hutson has announced a full review of the facility’s operations, citing staff shortages, outdated infrastructure, and funding challenges as potential factors in the breach.
What You Can Do
- Report Tips: Contact the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office or local authorities with any information about the escapees.
- Remain Alert: Be aware of official updates and community advisories as the search continues.
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Sources:
- FOX 5 Atlanta – Two escapees captured in Huntsville
- Yahoo News – Sixth Orleans inmate captured, more remain at large
- CBS News – Baton Rouge arrest update
- Reuters – Security review underway
- FOX 8 Live – Sheriff’s investigation and inmate profiles
