On May 16, 2025, ten inmates escaped from the Orleans Justice Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. The escape was discovered during a routine headcount at 8:30 a.m. Authorities believe the inmates breached a cell wall by removing bolts and plumbing behind a toilet, creating a hole that led to a maintenance area and eventually outside the facility. Graffiti messages such as “To Easy LOL” and “Catch us when you can” were found near the escape route, suggesting the inmates mocked the authorities .

Among the escapees was Derrick Groves, who had been convicted of multiple murders. At least three escapees were recaptured within hours, but as of the latest reports, seven remained at large. The escape prompted a full-scale search involving local, state, and federal authorities, who warned the public about the dangerous fugitives.

Investigators suspect that the escape may have been aided from inside the facility. Three employees have been suspended during the ongoing investigation. The Orleans Justice Center, which opened in 2015, houses over 1,400 inmates, primarily pretrial detainees. The facility has been under a federal consent decree since 2016 for past civil rights violations, raising concerns about its security and oversight .

Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any information related to the escapees. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

On the night of May 15, 2025, ten inmates escaped from the Orleans Justice Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, in a daring and meticulously planned breakout. The escape, which occurred around 1 a.m., was not discovered until a routine headcount at 8:30 a.m. the following morning, raising serious concerns about the facility’s security protocols.

The Escape Route

The inmates exploited a breach in the wall behind a toilet in their cell, which had been tampered with to remove bolts and plumbing fixtures. This created a hole large enough for the men to crawl through. Once through the wall, they navigated a pipe chase to a loading dock area, scaled a wall, and crossed an interstate highway to flee the facility. Surveillance footage and photographs of the escape route revealed graffiti messages left by the inmates, including “Too Easy LOL” and “Catch us when you can,” mocking the authorities .

Escapees and Charges

Among the escapees were individuals facing serious charges, including murder, attempted murder, and armed robbery. Notably, Derrick Groves, who had been convicted of multiple murders, was among those who escaped. As of the latest reports, three of the ten escapees have been apprehended, while seven remain at large .

Investigation and Security Concerns

Authorities suspect that the escape may have been facilitated with internal assistance, as Sheriff Susan Hutson stated that it would have been “almost impossible” for the inmates to escape without help from inside the facility. In response, three employees have been suspended, and a full investigation is underway to determine how the breach occurred and whether any staff members were involved .

The Orleans Justice Center, which opened in 2015, has a history of security and staffing issues. The facility has been under a federal consent decree since 2016 due to past civil rights violations, raising concerns about its ability to maintain secure operations .

Public Safety and Response

In the wake of the escape, local, state, and federal authorities have launched a full-scale manhunt for the remaining fugitives. The public has been urged to remain vigilant and report any information related to the escapees. Law enforcement officials have emphasized that anyone found aiding the escapees will face charges as accomplices .(New York Post)

This incident has raised serious questions about the security measures in place at the Orleans Justice Center and the oversight of correctional facilities in the region. As the investigation continues, authorities are under pressure to address the systemic issues that allowed this escape to occur.