New Orleans district attorney blasts sheriff over botched prison escape investigation
Share and Follow

The Orleans Parish district attorney torched the county’s sheriff for failing to order a crime scene investigation after 10 inmates escaped from the New Orleans prison on Friday.

District Attorney Jason Williams said in a Thursday afternoon press conference that he learned from New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick that Sheriff Susan Hutson never requested a formal crime scene investigation from the jail cell the 10 inmates used to escape. 

“Time is also of the essence when trying to get good DNA samples or collect fingerprints to make sure those areas are not molested or destroyed in any way,” he told the media. “So I am deeply concerned that there was not an immediate request by the sheriff to our local crime lab to get in there and examine, document, preserve and collect all of the forensic evidence that was available there so that we could already have it tested.”

Sheriff Susan Hutson arrives to the Council Chambers for a City Council meeting after 10 inmates escaped Friday from the Orleans Parish Justice Center at City Hall in New Orleans, Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson arrives for a City Council meeting at City Hall in New Orleans on Tuesday after 10 inmates escaped from the Orleans Parish Justice Center last week. (Sophia Germer/The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate)

He has also demanded that the sheriff’s office preserve and turn over all surveillance footage from the jail from April 1 until Wednesday, as well as any other pertinent investigatory materials. 

It has been nearly a week since 10 inmates, some wanted for violent crimes like murder, brazenly escaped from their cell and over the jail’s fence into the New Orleans community. They taunted authorities on the way out with written messages on the cell wall, including one that read, “To easy LOL.”

Five of those inmates, including Derrick Groves, who is a convicted killer of four people, are still on the loose. 

New Orleans escaped inmates

On Wednesday, the Louisiana State Police (LSP) announced that two more people were arrested for aiding the inmates after they escaped.

Cortnie Harris, 32, of New Orleans and 38-year-old Corvanntay Baptiste of Slidell were arrested for assisting the fugitives. They are also being held at the Plaquemines County Jail.

On Thursday afternoon, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced on X that Harris’ bond was set at $2.5 million and Baptiste’s at $1 million.

“You will be arrested and prosecuted if you assist these escapees in any way,” she warned in the post.

Sources close to the investigation told Fox News that Baptiste was Corey Boyd‘s girlfriend. She allegedly did not cooperate with the police and said she did not participate in the escape. Boyd was captured by LSP on Tuesday night. 

Corey Boyd arrested by Louisiana State Police

Louisiana State Police arrest escaped inmate Corey Boyd. (Louisiana State Police)

Harris, who is Leo Tate’s girlfriend, allegedly admitted to her role in aiding the escapees, and gave a confession, according to the sources. Tate is still on the run.

Boyd, 19, who was facing charges of second-degree murder before the escape, was the latest inmate captured. He was taken into custody on Tuesday night. 

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Jacksonville's Blessed Bible Mission answers the call to aid Jamaica's Hurricane Melissa survivors

Jacksonville’s Blessed Bible Mission Extends Lifeline to Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa Survivors

“We just want to make sure that our neighbors in Jamaica know…
Midterm election 2026 news: Congressman Jesús 'Chuy' García will not seek reelection in Illinois' 4th Congressional District

Breaking: Congressman Jesús ‘Chuy’ García Steps Down – What This Means for Illinois’ 4th District in 2026 Midterms

CHICAGO (WLS) — The composition of Illinois’ congressional delegation is poised for…

Shocking Discovery: Woman’s Harrowing Escape After Months of Captivity in Texas

Editor’s Note: The video above is from KXAN’s broadcast on October 31,…
LISTEN: The moments before near-miss at Hopkins Airport

Exclusive Audio Reveals Tense Moments Leading to Near-Miss Incident at Hopkins Airport

CLEVELAND (WJW) — An investigation has been launched by the National Transportation…
85-year-old Nancy Pelosi confronted about political future

85-Year-Old Nancy Pelosi Faces Questions on Political Future Amidst Leadership Speculations

On Tuesday, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s aides swiftly dismissed any inquiries…
Defunding of police in Vermont town a 'borderline nightmare': Ex-officer

Vermont Town Faces ‘Borderline Nightmare’ as Ex-Officer Speaks Out on Police Defunding Impact

In Burlington, Vermont, what was once a peaceful college town has faced…
Suspects in foiled Halloween terror plot pictured practicing at Michigan gun range: FBI

Unmasking the Threat: Inside the Chilling Halloween Terror Plot Thwarted by the FBI

EXCLUSIVE: Two men from Michigan are facing charges in connection with an…
Illinois man allegedly threatens Trump execution in profanity-laced videos, faces federal charges

Illinois Man Charged with Federal Crimes for Threatening Trump in Explicit Video Rant

Federal authorities have reported that an Illinois resident is accused of urging…