District Attorney Critiques Sheriff Over Flawed Investigation of New Orleans Prison Break

The Orleans Parish District Attorney has sharply criticized the local sheriff for failing to initiate a crime scene investigation after a dramatic escape of ten inmates from the New Orleans prison this past Friday.

At a press conference on Thursday, District Attorney Jason Williams expressed his outrage upon learning that Sheriff Susan Hutson did not request a formal investigation from the jail following the inmates’ escape. The information came from New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick.

"Time is of the essence when trying to collect DNA samples or fingerprints," Williams noted. "I am deeply concerned that there was no immediate request from the sheriff to our local crime lab to examine, document, and preserve all available forensic evidence. This challenge may hinder our ability to test the evidence in a timely fashion."

He insisted that the sheriff’s department must preserve and hand over all surveillance footage from the jail dating from April 1 to the present, along with any other essential investigatory materials.

Details of the Escape

The incident marks nearly a week since ten inmates, including individuals wanted for violent crimes such as murder, escaped their cell and scaled the jail fence into the New Orleans community. The inmates reportedly mocked authorities during their getaway by leaving written messages on the cell wall, with one message reading, "Too easy LOL."

Currently, five fugitives, among them convicted killer Derrick Groves, remain unaccounted for.

Pursuing Leads and Accountability

Williams also raised concerns about potential involvement from members of the sheriff’s department in the escape. "We have sent letters to the sheriff asking that she and all involved members of the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, as well as maintenance workers, provide voluntary DNA samples and fingerprints to assist in this investigation," he stated.

He emphasized the probability that, had the sheriff’s office adhered to standard protocol, it is likely that all ten fugitives would have been recaptured by now. "If they escaped at 12:30 a.m., immediate notification to the public and media could have enhanced the chances of capturing those involved," Williams explained.

Due to the absence of a proper inquiry, members of the NOPD crime lab and Williams himself conducted a search of the escape route including the jail cell and the area behind the removed toilet where the inmates managed to break free.

Unusual Crime Scene Investigation

Williams described his visit to the crime scene on Thursday as "very unusual." He underscored the importance of gathering evidence, stating, "We must maintain a focus on this crime scene and the destruction of the bars and the toilet. We need to determine whether anyone not in uniform assisted these individuals in their escape. Fingerprints and DNA will provide crucial evidence and tell a critical story, especially when it comes to holding the right people accountable."

Earlier this week, Sheriff Hutson suspended her re-election campaign, declaring that her primary focus would be to capture the escaped inmates.

Arrests in Connection with the Escape

In conjunction with the ongoing investigation, one individual from inside the jail has already been charged with aiding the inmates’ escape. Sterling Williams, aged 33, an employee of the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, faces charges including ten counts of principal to simple escape and one count of malfeasance in office for allegedly disabling the water supply in the inmates’ cell. He is currently being held on a bond of $1.1 million, set at $100,000 per count, in the Plaquemines Parish Jail.

In a related development, the Louisiana State Police (LSP) announced the arrests of two more individuals believed to have provided assistance to the escapees. Cortnie Harris, 32, from New Orleans, and Corvanntay Baptiste, 38, from Slidell, have both been apprehended for their roles in aiding the fugitives.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill disclosed that on Wednesday, Harris’ bond was set at $2.5 million, while Baptiste’s bond was established at $1 million, underscoring the costly repercussions of involvement with the escapees. "If you assist these escapees in any way, you will be arrested and prosecuted," she stressed in a public announcement.

According to sources connected to the investigation, Baptiste was reportedly the girlfriend of Corey Boyd, one of the escapees. However, she allegedly did not cooperate with law enforcement, denying any participation in the escape. Boyd, 19, who was facing murder charges prior to the breakout, was recaptured by LSP on Tuesday night.

Interestingly, Harris, identified as the girlfriend of another fugitive named Leo Tate, reportedly acknowledged her involvement in aiding the escapees, even confessing to her role in facilitating the breakout.

Importance of Communication and Response

As the manhunt continues, the situation remains a pressing public safety concern for the New Orleans community. Williams has reiterated that clear communication and swift response protocols play a pivotal role in apprehending dangerous fugitives. His comments highlight the urgency needed in law enforcement actions during critical incidents like these.

The community waits for further developments in the investigation, eager to see how local law enforcement manages the fallout from this incident while also striving to ensure public safety.