A manhunt is underway in northeast Louisiana following the escape of eight inmates from a local jail, three of whom are facing murder charges.

According to the Louisiana State Police, the inmates, labeled as “violent offenders,” were discovered missing from the Riverbend Detention Center at approximately 1:20 a.m. local time on Friday.

As of now, five of the escapees are still at large. They have been identified as Destin Brogan, 22; Kelin Looney, 21; Krisean Salinas, 21; Kevin Slaughter, 25; and Koplelon Vicknair, 19.

Meanwhile, three others were apprehended following the escape and have been named as Hugo Molino, 27; Trenton Taplin, 29; and Savon Wheeler, 31.

The continued search for the remaining fugitives has prompted Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill to engage with East Carroll Parish Sheriff Wydette Williams and Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association President Kevin Cobb regarding the situation.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said she has been in contact with East Carroll Parish Sheriff Wydette Williams and Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association President Kevin Cobb.

“[I] have offered the full assistance of my office, including the Fugitive Apprehension Unit,” Murrill wrote in a statement on X. “I am actively monitoring the situation.”

The East Carroll Parish Sheriff’s Office requested the Louisiana State Police Detectives–Monroe Field Office assume the lead role in finding and apprehending the fugitives. 

The sheriff’s office, which previously had most of its deputies searching for the inmates, will serve as the lead agency in the investigation.

Louisiana State Police have taken the lead on locating the missing inmates. (Louisiana State Police via Facebook)

“Do not approach under any circumstances,” state police wrote in a statement. “If you observe or have information regarding their whereabouts, contact law enforcement immediately.”

It is unclear how the men escaped, and no additional details have been released by authorities.

It is unclear how the group of men escaped from the detention center. (Stephen M. Katz/South Florida Sun-Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

Local outlet WAFB 9 News reported Taplin is charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder, and Brogan and Looney both facing charges for second-degree murder.

Vicknair was reportedly awaiting sentencing on charges related to a 2023 homicide, according to KQKI News.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.