Authorities Release New Booking Photos of Escapees Amid Ongoing Manhunt in Louisiana

Authorities Release New Booking Photos of Escapees Amid Ongoing Manhunt in Louisiana

Loyalty to public safety remains the priority as Louisiana law enforcement officials have unveiled new booking photographs of four inmates who were apprehended after a dramatic escape from a New Orleans jail. These inmates now face additional charges related to their escape.

The Louisiana Department of Public Safety has shared the updated booking images of Kendell Myles, Robert Moody, Gary Price, and Dkenan Dennis. Their escape occurred on a recent Friday, and authorities continue their search for six remaining inmates who are still at large.

Details of the Arrests and Charges

Gary Price, who was taken into custody on Monday, now faces severe charges including simple escape, possession of a controlled substance, and unauthorized entry into an inhabited dwelling. Initially, he was charged with attempted first-degree murder, domestic abuse, and aggravated assault before his escape.

Kendell Myles also received charges related to simple escape after he was discovered hiding beneath a car in a hotel parking lot on May 16. Robert Moody and Dkenan Dennis joined him in facing charges related to their escape, as outlined by a spokesperson for the Louisiana State Police.

Arrest of Jail Employee Linked to Escape

In a shocking twist, Sterling Williams, a 33-year-old employee of the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, was arrested on Tuesday. Williams faces 10 counts of principal to simple escape and malfeasance in office, as reported by the Louisiana Attorney General’s office. Allegedly, he played a role in facilitating the escape.

It is claimed that Williams disabled the water supply to the inmates’ cell and chose not to report the escape. Instead, he reportedly aided the inmates. During interrogation, he indicated that the escapees threatened him with violence if he did not assist in their breakout.

Continuing Investigation

Williams reportedly told detectives that one of the escapees attempted to seize his phone, trying to persuade him to bring in a book containing cash app details. Following the revelation of his actions, he has been booked into jail.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “This is a continuing investigation, and we will provide updates as often as possible. We will uncover all the facts eventually, and anyone who aided and abetted will be prosecuted to the full extent the law allows.” Murrill urged anyone with information to come forward to secure a better outcome for their cases.

Escapee Profile: Derrick Groves

Among those still on the run is Derrick Groves, a 27-year-old who stands accused of committing two murders during Mardi Gras in New Orleans in 2018. Groves was awaiting sentencing at the time of his escape, heightening concerns about public safety as he evades capture.

Accountability Acknowledged

In response to the jailbreak, Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson addressed the New Orleans City Council, accepting full responsibility for the incident. She stated, “It is deeply troubling to me, as your sheriff, and I know it is equally troubling for you, the public, who we are sworn to protect.” Hutson expressed her commitment to ensure that the matter is handled with the necessary urgency and transparency.

On social media, she reiterated her accountability, asserting, “This breach happened under my leadership, occurred on my watch, and it is my responsibility to ensure it is addressed with urgency and transparency.”

The Search Continues

The investigation continues as law enforcement diligently searches for the remaining escapees. The escape has raised multiple questions about security protocols within the Orleans Parish jail system and the role that staff members play in maintaining that security.

The following fugitives continue to elude authorities:

Fox News’ Peter D’Abrosca and Alexandra Koch contributed to this report.