Four people arrested for allegedly assisting escaped Inmates in New Orleans Jail break
A jail break turns into a growing criminal web, with five fugitives still at large and 11 accomplices arrested, the New Orleans manhunt exposes deep cracks in prison security and disturbing outside connections.
Police in New Orleans made four additional arrests connected to a recent jail escape, bringing the total number of accused accomplices to 11. The new arrests are Patricia Vanburen (18), Tyshanea "Minnie" Randolph (27), Lenton Vanburen Sr. (47), and Angel McKey (40). Authorities confirmed that Vanburen Sr. is the father of escaped inmate Lenton Vanburen Jr. A search warrant was executed at a home in the 7th District, but Vanburen Jr. was not located.
The four individuals were charged with aiding Vanburen Jr. in evading law enforcement. These arrests follow that of Emmitt Weber (28), who is accused of assisting two inmates after the jailbreak from the Orleans Parish Correctional Facility. Authorities say the network of accomplices may be wider than initially thought. Investigations continue as police uncover more links and suspects. The scope of involvement includes providing shelter, transportation, and money.
Five Inmates still missing as Police arrest more accomplices in New Orleans Jailbreak
Currently, five out of ten escaped inmates are still at large. The recaptured inmates as of now include Corey Boyd, Kendell Myles, Robert Moody, Dkenan Dennis, and Gary Price. The most recent recapture was on Tuesday with the arrest of Corey Boyd. The police continue to search for the remaining fugitives in this case. The escape has also raised questions about the security protocols of the prison.
Two additional arrests include Casey Smith and Cortnie Harris as participants of or in aiding the fugitives. A 59-year-old, Connie Weeden, was accused of sending money using a mobile app to one of the escapees and faces a felony accessory charge. Officials believe that some of the individuals were motivated by personal relationships, and they are concerned that others were coerced or deceived into helping.
Escaped Inmates face charges including murder, assault, and weapon offenses as manhunt intensifies
The five remaining fugitives face serious charges:
- Lenton Vanburen Jr. (27): illegal possession of weapons, obstruction of justice, and introducing contraband into a prison.
- Jermaine Donald (42): second-degree murder, aggravated battery, felon in possession of a firearm, and obstruction of justice.
- Antoine Massey (32): domestic abuse involving strangulation, motor vehicle theft, and parole violation.
- Derrick Groves (27): three counts of attempted second-degree murder, two counts of second-degree murder, and battery of a correctional facility employee.
- Leo O. Tate Sr. (31): simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling, felon in possession of a firearm, illegal carrying of a weapon, vehicle theft, and multiple drug charges.
Authorities continue to intensify their search efforts. The escape has raised serious questions about the facility's internal controls and external networks of support. The case remains under active investigation, and more arrests are expected as leads develop.
