Two people were arrested Wednesday for allegedly helping fugitives who escaped in Friday’s New Orleans jailbreak, police said.
The Louisiana State Police (LSP) reported that 32-year-old Cortnie Harris of New Orleans and 38-year-old Corvanntay Baptiste of Slidell were apprehended for aiding the fugitives. Both individuals face a felony count of accessory after the fact and have been taken to the Plaquemines Parish Detention Center.
“The initial investigation found that prior to the escape, Cortnie Harris had phone contact with an escapee who is still at large. Additionally, investigators established that Harris transported two escapees, who are yet to be apprehended, to various locations in New Orleans,” LSP stated. “Investigators also discovered that Corvanntay Baptiste communicated via phone and social media with escapee Corey Boyd (now captured) and assisted in providing him with food while he was hiding.”
Five of the escaped inmates are still on the run.
They include:
- Lenton J. Vanburen Jr., 26, faces charges of illegal carrying of weapons, possession of a firearm or weapon by a felon, obstruction of justice and introducing contraband in prison.
- Jermaine Donald, 42, faces charges of second-degree murder, aggravated battery, possession of a firearm or weapon by a felon and obstruction of justice.
- Antoine Massey, 32, faces charges of domestic abuse involving strangulation, theft of a motor vehicle and a parole violation.
- Derrick Groves, 27, faces three counts of attempted second-degree murder, two counts of second-degree murder and battery of a correctional facility employee.
- Leo O. Tate Sr., 31, faces charges of simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling, possession of a firearm or weapon by a felon, illegal carrying of a weapon, motor vehicle theft and multiple drug counts.
A graphic showing the five inmates who are still on the loose after escaping from a New Orleans Jail on Friday. (Fox News)
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill mentioned on “Fox & Friends” on Wednesday that she suspects the remaining escapees are still in New Orleans.
“I’ve notified neighboring state officials that they could have headed in that direction, but my gut says that they’re probably staying close to home unless they have significant resources somewhere else,” Murrill said. “You’re just unlikely to go somewhere where you have zero support and help, most of these, if not all of these individuals grew up in New Orleans.”
This story is developing.
