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A massive manhunt is underway after eight inmates broke out of a jail in northeast Louisiana early Friday morning. Among the escapees, three are charged with murder, escalating the urgency of the search.
The Louisiana State Police have confirmed that these men, all labeled as “violent offenders,” went missing from the Riverbend Detention Center at approximately 1:20 a.m. local time.
Currently, authorities are still searching for five of the inmates. The missing individuals have been identified as Destin Brogan, 22; Kelin Looney, 21; Krisean Salinas, 21; Kevin Slaughter, 25; and Koplelon Vicknair, 19.
In the hours following the escape, law enforcement managed to capture three of the fugitives. These individuals have been identified as Hugo Molino, 27; Trenton Taplin, 29; and Savon Wheeler, 31.
The search continues for five inmates who remain at large after the breakout from the Riverbend Detention Center in Louisiana on Friday morning. (Louisiana State Police)
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said she has been in contact with East Carroll Parish Sheriff Wydette Williams and Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association President Kevin Cobb.
“[I] have offered the full assistance of my office, including the Fugitive Apprehension Unit,” Murrill wrote in a statement on X. “I am actively monitoring the situation.”
The East Carroll Parish Sheriff’s Office requested the Louisiana State Police Detectives–Monroe Field Office assume the lead role in finding and apprehending the fugitives.Â
The sheriff’s office, which previously had most of its deputies searching for the inmates, will serve as the lead agency in the investigation.
Louisiana State Police have taken the lead on locating the missing inmates. (Louisiana State Police via Facebook)
“Do not approach under any circumstances,” state police wrote in a statement. “If you observe or have information regarding their whereabouts, contact law enforcement immediately.”
It is unclear how the men escaped, and no additional details have been released by authorities.
It is unclear how the group of men escaped from the detention center. (Stephen M. Katz/South Florida Sun-Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Local outlet WAFB 9 News reported Taplin is charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder, and Brogan and Looney both facing charges for second-degree murder.
Vicknair was reportedly awaiting sentencing on charges related to a 2023 homicide, according to KQKI News.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.