Even a fugitive’s own father is now behind bars after authorities arrested five more people accused of helping inmates escape from a New Orleans jail, bringing the total number of accomplices to 12 as half the escapees remain on the run.
Key Takeaways
- Five additional arrests have been made in connection with the New Orleans jail escape, bringing the total to 12 people accused of aiding fugitives
- Among those arrested is Lenton Vanburen Sr., who allegedly helped his own son, escaped inmate Lenton Vanburen Jr., evade capture
- Five of the original 10 escaped inmates remain at large and are considered armed and dangerous
- Law enforcement executed a search warrant in New Orleans’ 7th District but failed to locate Vanburen Jr., highlighting ongoing challenges
Family Members Join Growing List of Accomplices
Louisiana authorities have expanded their investigation into the New Orleans jail break, arresting five more individuals accused of helping escapees evade justice. The new arrests include Lenika Vanburen, Patricia Vanburen, Tyshanea “Minnie” Randolph, Lenton Vanburen Sr., and Angel McKey. Most notably, Lenton Vanburen Sr. now faces charges for allegedly helping his son, Lenton Vanburen Jr., one of the five inmates still on the run. These arrests demonstrate the extensive network of support that has complicated law enforcement efforts to recapture all fugitives.
Despite executing a search warrant in New Orleans’ 7th District, authorities failed to locate Vanburen Jr., highlighting the challenges they face in this ongoing manhunt. The five arrested individuals join seven others previously taken into custody for their roles in aiding the escaped inmates. This growing list of accomplices reveals a disturbing pattern of community members actively undermining law enforcement and public safety, choosing personal loyalty over civic responsibility and the rule of law.
UPDATE: 2 captured, 8 remain at large following an escape from Orleans jail in overnight breach https://t.co/BYYesWprql pic.twitter.com/B900r2pm2X
— FOX 8 New Orleans (@FOX8NOLA) May 17, 2025
Half of Escaped Inmates Still at Large
Five of the original ten escaped inmates remain fugitives, with authorities warning that all should be considered armed and dangerous. The inmates still evading capture include Lenton Vanburen Jr., Jermaine Donald, Antoine Massey, Derrick Groves, and Leo O. Tate Sr. Law enforcement has successfully recaptured Kendell Myles, Robert Moody, Dkenan Dennis, and Gary Price. The fact that half the escapees remain at large after this extended period raises serious questions about jail security protocols and the effectiveness of the regional law enforcement response.
The investigation has revealed a complex web of support for the fugitives. Previous arrests included Emmitt Weber, who allegedly assisted two inmates after their escape. Casey Smith and Cortnie Harris face charges for their roles in aiding the escapees, while Connie Weeden stands accused of providing cash to fugitive Jermaine Donald via a cellphone app. These financial transactions demonstrate how modern technology facilitates criminal activity, creating new challenges for law enforcement in tracking and apprehending fugitives.
Systemic Failures at New Orleans Detention Facility
This mass escape and the extensive network of accomplices highlight serious security vulnerabilities within the New Orleans jail system. Law enforcement resources continue to be strained as the search expands beyond the initial escape, now requiring investigators to identify and apprehend not just the fugitives but also their growing network of enablers. The fact that family members, including a fugitive’s father, would risk their own freedom to aid in an escape points to deeper societal issues that complicate the criminal justice system’s effectiveness.
The ongoing situation underscores the critical need for rigorous supervision, enhanced security protocols, and swift justice for both escapees and those who aid them. As the investigation continues, authorities remain focused on recapturing the remaining fugitives while sending a clear message that assisting escaped inmates carries serious legal consequences. The growing list of arrests should serve as a deterrent to others who might consider helping these dangerous fugitives remain at large.
