An urgent manhunt is underway across Louisiana after eight inmates, described as “violent offenders,” managed to escape from a detention facility.
The daring breakout from Riverbend Detention Center in East Carroll Parish was discovered at 1:20 a.m. on Friday, according to state police. Among the escapees are three individuals facing murder charges.
The fugitives include Destin Brogan, 22, Trenton Taplin, 29, and Kolin Loney, 21, all awaiting trial for murder. This information was confirmed by Fox Digital. The other inmates who fled are Savion Wheeler, 31, Hugo Molina, 27, Kevin Slaughter Jr., 25, Krisean Salinas, 21, and Kopelon Vicknair, 19.
In response, the Louisiana State Police Department has issued a public alert, urging citizens not to confront these individuals. The statement emphasized, “All fugitives are considered violent offenders.”
The Louisiana State Police Department issued a statement warning the public not to approach the fugitives.
‘All fugitives are considered violent offenders,’ it read.
‘Do not approach under any circumstances. If you observe or have information regarding their whereabouts, contact law enforcement immediately.’
No additional details were released explaining how the fugitives pulled off the dramatic escape.
The inmates escaped from Riverbend Detention Center in East Carroll Parish, Louisiana
Hugo Molina, 27, was held at Riverbend Detention Center for second-degree murder charges
Kevin Slaughter Jr (left), 25, and Destin Brogan (right), 22, were among the escapees
East Carroll Parish requested the assistance of the Louisiana State Police Detectives- Monroe Field Office to take over the lead role in the investigation.
Madison, East Carroll and Ouachita parish sheriff’s offices were called to assist, along with the Alexandria Police Department, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Louisiana Probation and Parole, the US Marshals Service and the FBI.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill issued a statement about the frantic search on social media.
‘I have been in contact with East Carroll Parish Sheriff Wydette Williams and Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association President Kevin Cobb, and have offered the full assistance of my office, including the Fugitive Apprehension Unit,’ she wrote.
‘I am actively monitoring the situation.’
By Friday at 9.55pm, Slaughter and Loney were captured.
Just hours later, officials located Salinas, Brogan and Vicknair.
Early Saturday morning, all eight escape artists were officially captured and in custody.
Krisean Salinas, 21, has faced multiple arrests. He was among the first three fugitives located by police
Trenton Taplin, 29, (left) and Kopelon Vicknair (right), 19, were among the eight captured and in custody as of Saturday morning
The eight inmates had been captured by Saturday morning. Their photos were shared by Louisiana State Police
The detention center is pictured. It is not clear how they pulled off the escape
Taplin was being held at Riverbend Detention Center as he faced second-degree murder charges for a 2020 shooting, per KQKI.
Brogan’s trial for second-degree murder, tied to a 2022 shooting, was scheduled for May 11. Molina was also being held for second-degree murder, according to WBRZ.
Loney faced multiple felony cases, including second-degree murder and previous convictions for burglary and property damage, reported WAFB.
Vicknair awaited trial for charges related to a 2023 homicide.
Slaughter was reportedly accused of aggravated assault and Salinas has faced multiple arrests.
The reason for Wheeler’s detainment is unknown.
In Louisiana, inmates who commit simple escape can have multiple years tacked on to their prison sentence.
The Daily Mail contacted the Louisiana State Police and the Riverbend Detention Center for more information.
