11 inmates, including several murder suspects, escape from New Orleans jail, sheriff says

CNN - May 16th, 2025

Authorities in New Orleans are on high alert after discovering that 11 inmates escaped from the Orleans Justice Center early Friday morning. The escape was noticed during a routine headcount at 8:30 a.m., according to Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson. The escapees include individuals facing serious charges, such as murder and aggravated assault. One of the escapees, Kendell Myles, who had been charged with attempted second-degree murder, was quickly recaptured by Louisiana State Police after attempting to flee. Law enforcement officials are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings or information to Crime Stoppers or call 911 immediately, as the remaining inmates are considered armed and dangerous.

The escape has raised concerns about security protocols at the Orleans Justice Center and the potential risks posed to the public by having dangerous individuals at large. The incident underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in tracking and apprehending fugitives, as well as the broader implications for community safety. As the search intensifies, authorities are likely to review and possibly overhaul existing security measures to prevent future occurrences. This incident is significant not only for its immediate impact on public safety but also for its potential to prompt policy changes in the management of correctional facilities in the region.

New Orleans Crime Stoppers Orleans Justice Center Inmate Escape Susan Hutson Kendell Myles Louisiana State Police

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.0

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The news story effectively reports on a significant public safety event involving the escape of 11 inmates from the Orleans Justice Center. It accurately presents the main facts and conveys the urgency of the situation, making it timely and relevant to the public. However, the article could benefit from a broader range of perspectives and greater transparency in its reporting process. While the language and structure are clear, additional context and source variety would enhance the story's credibility and depth. Overall, the article is a solid piece of journalism that informs the public about a critical issue while leaving room for further exploration and updates as the situation develops.

Accuracy

The story accurately reports the escape of 11 inmates from the Orleans Justice Center, as confirmed by various sources such as the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office and local news outlets. The names of the inmates and their charges, including murder and aggravated assault, are also consistent with external reports. However, the article could improve by providing more details about the circumstances of the escape and the exact charges each inmate faces. Additionally, while the capture of Kendell Myles is mentioned, further confirmation from law enforcement or additional context about the capture process would enhance accuracy.

Balance

The article presents a predominantly law enforcement perspective, focusing on the escape and subsequent manhunt. While it effectively conveys the urgency and seriousness of the situation, it lacks perspectives from other stakeholders, such as the families of the inmates or legal experts who might provide insight into the implications of such an escape. Including these viewpoints could offer a more balanced understanding of the event.

Clarity

The article is clear and concise, effectively communicating the main facts of the escape and the subsequent manhunt. The language is straightforward, and the structure follows a logical progression from the escape to the ongoing search efforts. However, the article could improve clarity by providing more context about the charges each inmate faces and the potential risks to the public.

Source quality

The story relies heavily on information from the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office and CNN affiliate WVUE. While these are credible sources, the article would benefit from a broader range of sources, such as independent experts or eyewitnesses, to provide a more comprehensive view. Additionally, direct quotes from law enforcement officials could strengthen the article's credibility.

Transparency

The article provides basic details about the escape and the ongoing search for the inmates but lacks transparency regarding the methodology used to gather this information. It does not disclose how the information was verified or whether there were any limitations in reporting. Greater transparency about the sources of information and the verification process would enhance the credibility of the article.