Sheriff Points Finger Inside Jail as Murder Suspect Caught, 6 Still Loose

Ten inmates broke out of a New Orleans jail, sparking a massive manhunt.

Now, the sheriff is dropping a bombshell, suggesting the escape wasn’t just an outside job.

A major development unfolded in the ongoing search for inmates who fled custody in New Orleans.

Authorities announced the recapture of a fourth individual who had been at large since the daring escape Friday.

This latest capture brings the total number of escapees back in custody to four.

However, it also means a significant number remain on the run, prompting an intensified search effort.

The individual apprehended Monday was identified as Gary C. Price, 21.

Price was located in New Orleans, according to a statement released by Louisiana State Police.

He was being held without bond before his escape.

Court documents indicate Price was facing a charge of first-degree murder.

Following his capture, officials stated Price would be moved to a secure state facility.

This relocation is intended to prevent any further issues while his legal proceedings continue.

As of Monday evening, six of the original ten escapees remained at large.

The manhunt involves a substantial number of law enforcement personnel.

More than 200 officers from various agencies are actively participating in the search.

Officials had expressed optimism about the swift capture of the remaining individuals.

On Sunday, authorities stated they believed the fugitives would be back in custody quickly.

A reward is being offered for information leading to the capture of each escapee.

The reward amount has reportedly increased to $20,000 per inmate.

This incentivizes public assistance in locating the individuals still on the run.

State police superintendent, Col. Robert Hodges, shared confidence in their efforts.

“We’re confident at this time that we have actual intelligence on all of those fugitives,” Hodges said during a news conference.

This suggests authorities have specific leads they are following.

The escape itself occurred shortly after midnight on Friday.

The inmates managed to escape from the jail located at the Orleans Parish Justice Center.

Their method of escape involved exploiting a vulnerability within a cell.

They reportedly used a rectangular hole discovered behind a bathroom fixture.

This detail has raised questions about the security protocols within the facility.

The state attorney general’s office has launched an investigation into the escape.

Adding another layer to the unfolding situation, the Orleans Parish Sheriff commented on potential complicity.

Sheriff Susan Hutson voiced her suspicions regarding the possibility of inside help.

She indicated she suspects personnel “inside of our department” may have been involved in facilitating the escape.

This serious accusation points towards a potential breach of trust within the jail’s own staff.

Following these suspicions, action was taken against some employees.

Three employees from the department have been placed on leave without pay.

This action is pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation into the jailbreak.

The focus remains on capturing the remaining six fugitives.

Meanwhile, the investigation into how the escape happened, and who might have helped, continues.

The recapture of the murder suspect is a significant step, but the manhunt is far from over.