In a recent turn of events in Baton Rouge, a convict named Lenton Vanburen was apprehended on Monday. He is identified as part of a group of ten prisoners who managed to engineer a daring escape from prison. Vanburen was being held in custody, awaiting his trial due to his alleged involvement in a 2nd-degree murder case.
Previously, on December 16, 2021, the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) placed Vanburen under arrest. This followed a homicide incident that transpired on the 29th day of November 2021 at Chef Menteur Highway. What added to the severity of Vanburen’s case were the various charges weighing upon him, including parole violation and firearm possession by a convicted felon, among other offenses.
Despite being taken into custody for considerable crimes, Vanburen, following his escape, is now set to face a succession of charges for evading custody. This recent episode only adds weight to his already extensive list of felonies. A noteworthy detail amid ongoing occurrences is Vanburen’s upcoming mental competency hearing programmed for May 29, in relation to his alleged participation in the homicide case, based on court documents.
In an interesting twist, five individuals have been seized by the law enforcement authorities, with accusations of confederating with Vanburen. They have been identified as Lenika Vanburen, Tyshanea Randolph, Patricia Vanburen, Angel McKay, and Lenton Vanburen Sr. – all charged as accessories to the alleged crimes.
Following the arrests, all the aforementioned accomplices were taken into detention at the Plaquemines Parish Jail. Their ages ranging from 18 to 48 years give a glimpse into the diverse assistance Vanburen apparently had on his side.
As the story unfolds, it is revealed that two escapees are still on the run, inciting audits, provoking apprehension amongst victims and law officials, and questions about the jail leadership’s efficiency. The remaining two fugitives’ freedom continues to inspire an intense investigation into the incident, nearly five days following their escape.
In a bid to hasten the recapture, several organizations have come forward with reward offers for information that would lead to the arrest of the fugitives. The collective reward money totals $20,000, with contributions from Crimestoppers GNO ($5,000), ATF ($5,000), and FBI ($10,000).
The escape, as narrated by the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, took place at approximately 12:23 a.m., on May 16th. The prisoners capitalized on defective cell locks and an unprotected wall located behind a toilet. This allowed them to make their exit via a supply dock and overcome a border wall, finally disappearing over the freeway.
The incident caught attention when a civilian monitor reportedly took a break for a meal. The scenario was worsened by the three security cameras within the unit that were found to be non-functioning. A photograph secured by a local news agency, WWL Louisiana, unveils a gaping hole in a wall with a contemptuous note scrawled above it: ‘To (sic) easy lol.’
Following the breakout, the escapees swiftly navigated out of a door located at the loading dock. They then climbed over a wall and fence, which led them to the Interstate-10. Suddenly, the interstate had transformed into a pathway to escape as the inmates blazed into a nearby neighborhood.
Yet fortune did not favor all the escapees. Eight of the ten criminals were swiftly recaptured by authorities, including Kendell Myles, Robert Moody, Dkenan Dennis, Gary C. Price, Corey Boyd, Lenton Vanburen, Leo Tate, and Jermaine Donald. However, Antoine Massey and Derrick Groves still remain at large, posing a continuous threat.
Despite the arrests, the task is yet to be accomplished with two fugitives continuing their run from the law. The public has since been urged to aid law enforcement with information that could lead to their capture. Several contact numbers and resources have been made available to the public, in an effort to facilitate the reporting process.
The FBI encourages individuals with relevant information to get in touch either by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or by visiting their website. Similarly, the local Crime Stoppers organization can be reached at 504-822-1111. Additionally, the LSP Fusion Centre is also accepting information through their contact number, 225-925-4192.