Crime
Cortnie Harris and Corvanntay Baptiste Arrested for Aiding Escaped Inmates from Orleans Justice Center
New Orleans, LA – Authorities have arrested two individuals accused of aiding fugitives following the May 16, 2025, escape of ten inmates from the Orleans Justice Center.
As of now, five inmates have been recaptured while the search for the remaining five continues.
Following an intensive multi-agency investigation, Louisiana State Police (LSP) identified 32-year-old Cortnie Harris of New Orleans and 38-year-old Corvanntay Baptiste of Slidell as having provided assistance to the escapees.
According to investigators:
- Cortnie Harris was in direct phone communication with one of the escapees who remains at large. She is also accused of transporting two fugitives—still unaccounted for—to multiple locations within New Orleans in the days following the jailbreak.
- Corvanntay Baptiste allegedly maintained communication with captured escapee Corey Boyd through phone calls and social media. Authorities say Baptiste assisted Boyd by delivering food while Boyd was hiding at a residence.
Both Harris and Baptiste were arrested and charged with one felony count each under LRS 14:25 – Accessory After the Fact.
They have been booked into the Plaquemines Parish Detention Center.
Under Louisiana law, individuals convicted of being accessories after the fact may face up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $500, or both, with or without hard labor.
Law enforcement officials from local, state, and federal agencies continue to pursue all leads to locate the remaining fugitives.
Authorities are issuing a firm warning that anyone found harboring or aiding these escapees will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Officials emphasize that assisting fugitives endangers public safety and will not be tolerated.
Anyone with information regarding the fugitives or the ongoing investigation is urged to contact law enforcement through one of the following channels:
- LSP.org – Report Suspicious Activity
- LSP Fusion Center Hotline
- Crime Stoppers Greater New Orleans
- FBI Tip Hotline
A total reward of up to $20,000 per fugitive is being offered for information leading to their arrest:
- Crime Stoppers GNO: $5,000
- ATF: $5,000
- FBI: $10,000
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.