Ongoing Investigation into New Orleans Jail Escape Expected to Yield More Arrests

Ongoing Investigation into New Orleans Jail Escape Expected to Yield More Arrests

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill anticipates that the investigation surrounding the escape of ten inmates from a New Orleans jail will result in additional arrests of individuals involved. She made these comments during an appearance on Fox & Friends on Wednesday morning.

Murrill highlighted that authorities are diligently examining how the inmates managed to break free, and she foresees further consequences for those within the correctional facility who may have aided the escapees.

“There certainly will be more consequences from this event. We just have to be methodical in the investigation,” Murrill stated.

As of Tuesday, one staff member, Sterling Williams, has already been arrested and charged with aiding the inmates in their escape.

Authorities Work Relentlessly to Re-capture Escapees

Murrill reassured the public that despite the passage of time since the incident at the Orleans County Correctional Facility on Friday morning, law enforcement officers are actively pursuing credible leads. She expressed her belief that the five remaining escapees are still located nearby.

“I’ve notified neighboring state officials that they could have headed in that direction, but my gut says that they’re probably staying close to home unless they have significant resources somewhere else,” remarked Murrill. “You’re just unlikely to go somewhere where you have zero support and help, most of these, if not all of these individuals grew up in New Orleans.”

Thus far, all captured inmates have resurfaced within the confines of New Orleans.

Community Dynamics in Play

Murrill pointed out that most of the escapees were very young during Hurricane Katrina, and many resources remain in their hometown. She noted, “Their resources are here, so I really expect that they are staying around here. The longer this goes on, the more dependent they are on trying to find people to help them. There’s a pretty large reward out, and I’m confident that we’re going to collect them all.”

She acknowledged that the situation requires a careful process involving numerous individuals working together. Murrill expressed confidence in the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts.

Recent Developments in the Case

In a significant development, Louisiana State Police announced the capture of 19-year-old Corey Boyd on Tuesday night. Boyd was apprehended in New Orleans, and updates on his situation have been shared via social media. He has since been transported to a secure state correctional facility outside of the local area, and faces charges of simple escape.

Boyd’s actions were caught on surveillance footage in the French Quarter just hours after the escape occurred. Prior to the jailbreak, he was facing serious charges, including second-degree murder in connection with a car burglary incident back in 2024.

Wider Implications for Public Safety

The escape and the subsequent arrests have sparked considerable attention, with Boyd’s capture marking the second major development in what has been a case of nationwide interest. Earlier in the day, police arrested Williams, a 33-year-old employee of the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office. He faces ten counts of principal to simple escape along with one count of malfeasance in office, with a steep bond set at $1.1 million.

According to an arrest affidavit, Williams claimed that coercion led him to participate in the escape plan. His testimony detailed how he was instructed to disable water access on the cell block, allegedly under threat from another inmate.

The Persistent Threat of Escapees

The affidavit suggests a troubling collaboration among the inmates. Williams identified the individual allegedly threatening him as Antoine Massey, a person known for escaping from custody multiple times. A representative from ASAP Electronic Monitors pointed out that Massey’s history underscores a pattern of behavior that signals a high likelihood of continued escape attempts.

As police work to locate the five remaining escapees, the situation remains fluid. Law enforcement agencies, including the Louisiana State Police and the FBI, have been contacted for further updates and assistance in the ongoing recovery efforts.

Moving Forward with Vigilance

In light of this incident, it is clear that the authorities face a serious challenge as they strive to bring all escapees back into custody. The community remains on high alert, bolstered by the promise of a reward and an ongoing law enforcement partnership. As this investigation unfolds, residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any relevant information to authorities.

By prioritizing transparency and diligent work, law enforcement aims to restore order and trust within the community, ultimately addressing the root issues that allowed such a situation to arise initially. Continued cooperation between local authorities and citizens will be crucial as they work towards a resolution.

Contributions to this report have been made by various news agencies.