Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Manhunt Continues for Last of Three Inmates After Louisiana Jail Wall Breach

An internal review follows the escape, with parish leaders split over whether infrastructure or staffing failures enabled it.

Overview

  • Keith Eli, 24, jailed on an attempted second-degree murder charge, remains at large as detectives and SWAT pursue tips in St. Landry Parish.
  • The trio escaped Dec. 3 by removing mortar and concrete blocks from a deteriorating upper wall, then used sheets to scale down from the jail roof.
  • Johnathan Jevon Joseph, 24, was recaptured Friday after investigators tracked tips to a residence where he surrendered without incident.
  • Joseph Allen Harrington, 26, died by suicide with a hunting rifle Thursday after officers located him at a home and urged him to come out.
  • Sheriff Bobby Guidroz launched an internal investigation, while Parish President Jessie Bellard disputes claims of structural failure and points to understaffing and training, as officials cite a year of multiple Louisiana jail breaks including a May mass escape in New Orleans.