Louisiana manhunt ongoing for dangerous inmate charged with attempted murder

Law enforcement in Louisiana is still pursuing the final inmate from a trio that managed to escape after breaking through a crumbling jail wall on Wednesday. The incident occurred roughly 130 miles northwest of New Orleans.

The escapees have been identified as Keith Eli, 24, from Opelousas; Johnathan Jevon Joseph, 24, also from Opelousas; and Joseph Allen Harrington, 26, from Melville. According to the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office, the three men scaled an exterior wall using sheets and other improvised tools, dropped onto the roof of the first floor, and descended to the ground.

Harrington took his own life with a hunting rifle on Thursday during a police standoff at a residence in Port Barre. Prior to the escape, he faced nine felony charges, including home invasion and aggravated assault with a firearm.

Joseph was captured the following day after a foot pursuit. Authorities stated that a tip led them to the location where he was hiding. He surrendered after attempting to flee to a nearby storage shed. Joseph, a convicted felon, had previously faced charges including first-degree rape, as well as drug and firearm offenses.

Eli remains at large and is charged with attempted second-degree murder. Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz emphasized that authorities hope for a peaceful surrender but will continue efforts until he is apprehended.

This is not the first recent jail escape in the region. In May, ten inmates fled a minimum-security New Orleans facility after removing a toilet from a wall and crawling through the opening. Surveillance footage captured the inmates scaling fences, using blankets to shield themselves from barbed wire, and crossing an interstate to a nearby neighborhood to change clothes. Graffiti left near the escape hole read messages such as, "To Easy LOL" and "WE INNOCENT."

Following these incidents, three jail employees have been placed on administrative leave while an internal investigation proceeds. Jail supervisors are expected to provide a full report on the matter.

Author: Logan Reeves