2 Louisiana prisoners escape through damaged jail wall

Authorities report that two inmates facing serious charges, including second-degree attempted murder, remain at large following an escape from a southwestern Louisiana detention center this week. The prisoners removed sections of a weakened wall and used makeshift ropes made from sheets to scale an exterior wall, officials said.

A third inmate who participated in the breakout took his own life after being located by law enforcement. This incident marks the latest in a series of daring escapes from Louisiana jails. Earlier this year, ten inmates managed to flee a New Orleans facility through a hole behind a toilet, remaining free for several months before being recaptured across multiple states.

Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz explained that the three prisoners at St. Landry Parish Jail discovered a compromised section of an upper wall. They gradually removed the mortar and concrete blocks to create an exit point. Once outside the wall, they climbed onto a first-floor roof using sheets and other materials, then lowered themselves to the ground.

The two fugitives still on the run have been identified as Keith Eli, 24, of Opelousas, charged with second-degree attempted murder, and Johnathan Jevon Joseph, 24, also from Opelousas, facing multiple charges including principal to first-degree rape. The third participant, Joseph Allen Harrington, 26, of Melville, who was charged with several felonies including home invasion, died by suicide after being found, according to Port Barre Police Chief Deon Boudreaux.

Authorities were alerted when a tipster reported seeing Harrington with a black e-bike. Officers tracked the bike to a nearby residence and attempted to negotiate his surrender via loudspeaker. A gunshot was later heard, and Harrington was discovered deceased inside, having used a hunting rifle to take his life.

Maj. Mark LeBlanc of the sheriff's department noted that while such breaches have not been seen at this facility before, determined inmates will seize opportunities to escape. Officials believe the remaining fugitives are still in the parish and urge residents to secure their property. Anyone assisting the escapees will face prosecution.

Author: Grace Ellison