Eight inmates escaped from the Riverbend Detention Center in northeast Louisiana at 1:20 a.m.; three have been recaptured and five remain at large. Authorities describe the escapees as 'violent offenders,' and several face murder-related charges. The Louisiana State Police Monroe Field Office has been asked to lead the search, and Attorney General Liz Murrill has offered assistance from her Fugitive Apprehension Unit. The public is urged not to approach the fugitives and to report any information to law enforcement.
Manhunt Underway After Eight Inmates Escape Louisiana Jail; Three Recaptured, Five Still At Large
Louisiana State Police have taken the lead on locating the missing inmates.(Fox News)
A manhunt is underway after eight inmates escaped early Friday from the Riverbend Detention Center in northeast Louisiana, law enforcement officials said. The eight men were reported missing from the facility at 1:20 a.m.
Developments and Response
Louisiana State Police confirmed the escape and described all eight men as 'violent offenders.' Authorities say three of the escapees have been recaptured: Hugo Molino, 27; Trenton Taplin, 29; and Savon Wheeler, 31. Five remain at large: Destin Brogan, 22; Kelin Looney, 21; Krisean Salinas, 21; Kevin Slaughter, 25; and Koplelon Vicknair, 19.
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. In a post on X, Murrill wrote that she 'has offered the full assistance of my office, including the Fugitive Apprehension Unit,' and that she is actively monitoring the situation.
It is unclear how the group of men escaped from the detention center.
The East Carroll Parish Sheriff's Office asked the Louisiana State Police Detectives — Monroe Field Office to take the lead role in locating and apprehending the fugitives. The sheriff's office, which had deployed most of its deputies to search the area after the breakout, will continue to serve as the lead agency overseeing the broader investigation.
'Do not approach under any circumstances,' state police warned. 'If you observe or have information regarding their whereabouts, contact law enforcement immediately.'
Charges and Local Reporting
Officials have released limited information about how the escape occurred. Local outlets report charges for some of the men: WAFB 9 News reported that Trenton Taplin faces first-degree murder and attempted murder charges, while Destin Brogan and Kelin Looney are each charged with second-degree murder. KQKI News reported that Koplelon Vicknair was awaiting sentencing on charges related to a 2023 homicide.
Investigators have not released details about the escape method or the fugitives' current locations. Residents in the area are urged to remain alert and to contact law enforcement if they have any information. This is a developing story; officials said they will provide updates as new information becomes available.
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