Four Arrested in New Orleans for Alleged Assistance to Escaped Inmates
New Orleans police arrest four more in prison break case, total suspects now at 11 as search for fugitive Lenton Vanburen intensifies.
Police in New Orleans have announced four additional arrests in connection with the recent escape of inmates from the New Orleans Jail, bringing the total number of individuals accused of aiding the plot to 11. Authorities say those charged allegedly assisted the escapees at various points before, during, or after their breakout from the facility last week.
The latest individuals taken into custody are 18-year-old Patricia Vanburen, 27-year-old Tyshanea "Minnie" Randolph, 47-year-old Lenton Vanburen Sr., and 40-year-old Angel McKey. According to police sources, Lenton Vanburen Sr. is the father of one of the escaped inmates, Lenton Vanburen. Law enforcement conducted a search warrant at a home in New Orleans’ 7th District in hopes of locating the younger Vanburen but were unsuccessful.
Investigators allege these four played a key role in assisting Lenton Vanburen Jr. as he evaded capture following the jailbreak. Their arrests follow additional operations over the weekend aimed at dismantling the network believed to have supported the escape.
Earlier in the week, police apprehended Emmitt Weber, 28, who authorities say aided two inmates after they fled the Orleans Parish Correctional Facility. The investigation has also ensnared Casey Smith and Cortnie Harris, who face charges for allegedly helping hide the escapees. Another woman, Connie Weeden, 59, was arrested for reportedly providing one inmate with cash via a mobile payment app and now faces a felony charge for accessory after the fact.
As of Sunday, law enforcement confirmed that five out of the ten escapees remain at large. Among those recaptured so far are Corey Boyd, whose arrest on Tuesday marked the most recent breakthrough in the case, as well as Kendell Myles, Robert Moody, Dkenan Dennis, and Gary Price.
Authorities have emphasized the urgency of the ongoing search and have reminded the public that the remaining fugitives are considered armed and dangerous. Residents are urged not to approach anyone matching the descriptions of the escapees and to report any sightings or information to law enforcement immediately.
The investigation remains active, with police expected to continue efforts to apprehend both the rest of the escapees and anyone involved in facilitating their flight from custody.
