News Summary
A dramatic jailbreak at the Orleans Justice Center saw ten inmates escape through faulty cell doors, creating a hole behind a toilet. The incident was discovered during a routine headcount, revealing security lapses that prompted community outcry. Three escapees were recaptured, while the hunt continues for two fugitives. Thirteen individuals have been arrested for aiding the escapees, raising safety concerns and questions about the jail’s conditions. A reward has been announced for information leading to the remaining fugitives.
Another Twist in the New Orleans Jailbreak Saga
On May 16, 2025, chaos erupted at the Orleans Justice Center as **ten inmates** made a daring escape. The plot thickened when reports surfaced about how these inmates managed to break out of their cells. It appears that **faulty cell doors** made it all too easy for the escapees to pull them open. They then created a hole behind a toilet—talk about resourceful—and swiftly scaled a **barbed-wire fence** to make their getaway.
The escape was not discovered until the next morning during a routine **headcount**, leaving authorities scratching their heads. Graffiti left behind by the escapees, including a cheeky message reading “**To Easy LoL**,” pointed to the very route they took. Clearly, they weren’t exactly trying to cover their tracks.
Security Lapses Unveiled
In the aftermath of the jailbreak, it became evident that **multiple security lapses** contributed to the success of this daring escape. Concerns quickly escalated regarding the jail’s conditions, bringing to light some long-standing issues that have been simmering beneath the surface. Governor Jeff Landry and other officials have chimed in, demanding accountability and a thorough review of jail protocols.
As of May 26, three of the escapees—**Lenton Vanburen**, **Leo Tate**, and **Jermaine Donald**—have been captured. Vanburen was nabbed in Baton Rouge, while Tate and Donald were apprehended in Walker County, Texas, after a **high-speed chase**. However, there are still **two escapees** at large: Derrick Groves and Antoine Massey, leaving the community on edge.
Arrests of Aiding Individuals
Moreover, family members of Lenton Vanburen have also found themselves in hot water, having been arrested for allegedly assisting him post-escape. Others detained include individuals suspected of providing food, rides, and communication to the escapees, highlighting just how intricate this web of support was.
Crimes of the Captured
Among those captured, the charges are quite serious. Lenton Vanburen is awaiting trial for a **2021 homicide**, while Jermaine Donald finds himself facing charges related to **attempted second-degree murder** and other weapon-related offenses. Leo Tate was also in hot water prior, as he was awaiting trial on **burglary**, narcotics, and weapons charges. This adds another layer of complexity, both for the legal system and for the community.
Community Reactions and Future Steps
The escape and the subsequent fallout have raised **fears in the community** about safety and ongoing legal cases involving the escapees. Concerns about the future handling of these individuals are hitting close to home, leaving many residents wary of what’s next.
As more details surface and as law enforcement continues its work, a **$20,000 reward** has been announced for any information leading to the capture of the remaining fugitives. With this shocking turn of events, many eyes will remain glued to updates surrounding this peculiar case, hoping for a resolution that restores safety and accountability.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WWLTV: New Orleans Jailbreak Update
- Fox 8 Live: Sixth Orleans Jail Escapee Captured
- USA Today: New Orleans Jailbreak Update
- Google Search: New Orleans Jailbreak
- Encyclopedia Britannica: New Orleans Jail Escape
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HERE Hilton Head Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Hilton Head community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Hilton Head Our team includes lifelong Hilton Head residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent listings of historic homes 0 , Hilton Head’s Gullah heritage and coastal culture 6 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Technical College of the Lowcountry programs) 10 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Hilton Head Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and...
