Crime
11 inmates escaped the Orleans Parish prison in New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS, LA — The Orleans Parish Justice Center was placed on full lockdown Friday morning after jail officials discovered that 11 inmates had escaped from the facility.
According to the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, the escape was discovered during a routine head count at approximately 8:30 a.m.
Sheriff Susan Hutson confirmed that one of the escapees, Kendell Myles, has since been recaptured by Louisiana State Police, while 10 others remain at large.
A manhunt involving multiple law enforcement agencies is now underway across the region.
Several of the escapees were being held on violent charges, including second-degree murder, and are considered armed and dangerous, according to authorities.
Names and Charges of Escapees:
- Antoine Massey – Charged with domestic abuse by strangulation and vehicle theft
- Lenton VanBuren – Facing charges of illegal carrying of weapons, felon in possession of a firearm, obstruction of justice, and introducing contraband into a prison
- Leo Tate – Charged with simple burglary of a dwelling, felon in possession of a firearm, and illegal carrying of a weapon
- Kendell Myles (RECOVERED) – Charged with attempted concealment of a weapon, introduction of contraband, and possession of contraband
- Derrick Groves – Facing three counts of attempted second-degree murder
- Jermain Donald – Charges not yet disclosed
- Corey Boyd – Charges not yet disclosed
- Gary Price – Charges not yet disclosed
- Robert Moody – Charges not yet disclosed
- Decannon Dennis – Charges not yet disclosed
- Keith Lewis – Charges not yet disclosed
Authorities have not yet disclosed the circumstances of the escape, but an internal investigation is underway to determine how the breach occurred.
All inmates involved were reportedly housed in the same tier of the facility and were awaiting trial for serious offenses.
The Justice Center remains under heightened security, and law enforcement is asking residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the escaped inmates is urged to contact 911 immediately or report tips anonymously to Crimestoppers.
The situation remains fluid, and updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
Crime
24-Year-Old Jose Alfredo Soto Navarrete Jr Dies in Fatal Jeep Incident in Midland, Christian Rojelio Zubia Arrested
MIDLAND, Texas — Jose Alfredo Soto Navarrete Jr., a 24-year-old man from Odessa, died after an incident involving a Jeep Wrangler in Midland on Thursday night, October 8, 2026. The driver, a 30-year-old Odessa man, was later arrested and charged with manslaughter, according to the Midland Police Department.
Police said officers responded at approximately 10:46 p.m. Thursday to a reported crash involving a 2018 Jeep Wrangler and a pedestrian in the 1700 block of Rankin Highway.
During the preliminary investigation, witnesses told authorities that Soto Navarrete had jumped onto the hood of a black Jeep Wrangler. Investigators allege that the driver accelerated while turning southbound, causing Soto Navarrete to fall from the vehicle and sustain fatal injuries.
Authorities identified the driver as Christian Rojelio Zubia, 30, of Odessa.
According to police, Zubia left the scene after the incident. Officers later located him with assistance from the Odessa Police Department.
Zubia was arrested and charged with manslaughter in connection with Soto Navarrete’s death. The charge is an allegation, and the case will proceed through the legal system.
The Midland Police Department is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident, including the events leading up to Soto Navarrete’s fall from the Jeep.
Authorities have not released further details about what prompted the encounter or whether additional charges may be considered.
Police confirmed that Soto Navarrete’s next of kin has been notified of his death.
Soto Navarrete’s death has left his family and loved ones grieving. His passing serves as a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly a dangerous incident can result in a fatal outcome.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information may be released as authorities continue reviewing the case.
