A major security breach unfolded in Louisiana as eight inmates, described by authorities as violent offenders, managed to escape from a detention centre, triggering an extensive and urgent statewide manhunt.
Dramatic Early Morning Escape
The incident was first reported by state police at 1.20am on Friday, when it was discovered that the inmates were missing from the Riverbend Detention Center located in East Carroll Parish. The escapees included three individuals awaiting trial for murder charges, heightening concerns about public safety.
Identities of the Fugitives
The eight men who fled custody were identified as:
- Destin Brogan, aged 22
- Trenton Taplin, aged 29
- Kolin Loney, aged 21
- Savion Wheeler, aged 31
- Hugo Molina, aged 27
- Kevin Slaughter Jr, aged 25
- Krisean Salinas, aged 21
- Kopelon Vicknair, aged 19
According to reports, Brogan, Taplin, and Loney were being held as they awaited trial for murder charges, with their cases involving serious allegations such as second-degree murder tied to shootings in 2020 and 2022.
Immediate Law Enforcement Response
The Louisiana State Police Department swiftly issued a public warning, stating that all fugitives are considered violent offenders and urging citizens not to approach them under any circumstances. The statement emphasised the need for immediate contact with law enforcement if anyone observed or had information regarding their whereabouts.
East Carroll Parish requested assistance from the Louisiana State Police Detectives-Monroe Field Office to take the lead in the investigation. The response quickly expanded to include a coalition of agencies, such as:
- Madison, East Carroll, and Ouachita parish sheriff's offices
- Alexandria Police Department
- Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
- Louisiana Probation and Parole
- US Marshals Service
- FBI
High-Level Monitoring and Assistance
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill became actively involved, issuing a statement on social media to confirm she was monitoring the situation. She noted that she had been in contact with East Carroll Parish Sheriff Wydette Williams and Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association President Kevin Cobb, offering the full assistance of her office, including the Fugitive Apprehension Unit.
Capture of the Escapees
The frantic search yielded results over the following hours. By Friday at 9.55pm, Kevin Slaughter Jr and Kolin Loney were captured. Shortly afterwards, officials located Krisean Salinas, Destin Brogan, and Kopelon Vicknair. In a significant development, early Saturday morning saw all eight escapees officially captured and returned to custody.
Backgrounds of the Inmates
Details emerged about the serious charges faced by the inmates. For instance, Trenton Taplin was being held for second-degree murder related to a 2020 shooting, while Destin Brogan's trial for a similar charge from a 2022 shooting was scheduled for May 11. Hugo Molina was also detained on second-degree murder allegations.
Kolin Loney faced multiple felony cases, including second-degree murder, with previous convictions for burglary and property damage. Kopelon Vicknair awaited trial for charges connected to a 2023 homicide, and Kevin Slaughter Jr was accused of aggravated assault. Krisean Salinas had a history of multiple arrests, though the reason for Savion Wheeler's detainment remained unclear at the time.
Aftermath and Legal Implications
While the inmates are now back in custody, questions linger about how they managed to execute the escape from the Riverbend Detention Center. No additional details were released explaining the method of their breakout, leaving authorities to investigate the security lapse.
In Louisiana, inmates who commit simple escape can face additional years added to their prison sentences, a factor that may come into play as legal proceedings continue. The incident has underscored the challenges in detention facility security and the coordinated efforts required in large-scale manhunts.
