Two inmates have escaped from the St. Landry Parish jail.
They have been identified as Keith Eli, 24, of E. Jefferson Street in Opelousas, who is being held on a charge of attempted second-degree murder, and Johnathan Jevon Joseph, 24, of Elementary Lane in Opelousas, who is being held on charges of principal to first-degree rape, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
Sheriff Bobby Guidroz said they found a degraded area of an upper wall, removed the mortar and concrete blocks and escaped through the hole.
“The inmates used sheets and other items to scale the outer wall, drop onto the 1st Floor roof and lower themselves to the ground. An internal investigation has been initiated, the Jail Supervisory Staff will be providing a comprehensive report and both will be forwarded to my office for appropriate action," the sheriff said.
The sheriff said citizens should not approach them, but should immediately notify local authorities, the Sheriff’s Office and 911.
This is not the first escape for St. Landry Parish; there have been several this year. Most occurred during transport of inmates.
"An internal investigation has been initiated," said Public Information Officer Mark LeBlanc. "Jail supervisory staff will be compiling information and generating reports, and all of that will be sent to the sheriff and the chief criminal deputy for action."
LeBlanc said the jail has issues, both structural and security-wise, which have been identified but not addressed.
The sheriff and the parish president have been engaged in a conflict over the jail funding; it is currently in court via a lawsuit.
LeBlanc said the two men were wearing orange jumpsuits, but as investigators don't know yet if they had outside help, residents should not assume they'll still be wearing jail orange.
We're waiting on details from the sheriff's office about their names and how they escaped.
If you have any information about the inmates or you see them, call 911.
