A massive manhunt is underway after ten inmates, including several charged with second-degree murder, executed a brazen escape from the Orleans Justice Center in New Orleans early Friday morning.

Authorities warn the escapees are "armed and dangerous," and evidence strongly suggests they had help from within the sheriff’s department.

One fugitive, Kendell Myles, 20, charged with attempted second-degree murder, was recaptured in the French Quarter, but nine others remain at large, sparking fear across the city.

The escape reportedly began at 12:23 a.m. when the inmates, exploiting defective cell locks, forced a sliding door off its track.

By 1:01 a.m., they breached a wall behind a toilet using toiletry items to remove bolts, exited through a loading door, scaled a perimeter wall, and fled along railroad tracks to the interstate, according to Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson.

"We have the indication that these detainees received assistance in their escape from inside our department,” Hutson said at a Friday press conference. "It’s almost impossible—not completely—but almost impossible for anybody to get out of this facility without help from the outside."

The breach went unnoticed until a routine headcount at 8:00 a.m., with New Orleans police notified at 10:30 a.m.

"These folks that were able to get out did so because of defective locks on the cells," Hutson admitted, adding, "There’s no way people can get out of this facility without some lapse."

The jail, staffed at only 60% capacity with four supervisors and 36 personnel overseeing 1,400 inmates, is plagued by infrastructure issues, with Hutson estimating $5.2 million needed for lock repairs alone.

Myles was apprehended in the French Quarter’s Hotel Monteleone parking garage, hiding beneath a car, after facial recognition technology flagged him.

"He tried to flee on foot before being apprehended without further incident," Louisiana State Police reported.

Myles now faces an additional charge of simple escape. The remaining fugitives, believed to be in New Orleans and no longer in jail uniforms, include:

• Corey Boyd, 19, charged with second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder.
• Jermaine Donald, 42, charged with second-degree murder.
• Derrick Groves, 27, charged with two counts of second-degree murder and three counts of attempted second-degree murder.
• Lenton Vanburen Jr., 26, charged with illegal carrying of weapons and possession of a firearm by a felon.
• Dkenan Dennis, 24, charged with armed robbery and extortion.
• Gary C. Price, 21, charged with seven counts of attempted first-degree murder.
• Robert L. Moody, 21, charged with aggravated second-degree battery.
• Antoine Massey, 32, charged with domestic abuse involving strangulation.
• Leo O. Tate Sr., 31, charged with simple burglary and possession of a firearm by a felon.

New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick warns the situation is "urgent and serious," noting that victims linked to the escapees were relocated to safety.

"We don’t want panic, but we do want people to be mindful," she said, warning that anyone aiding the fugitives will face charges.

"It’s more than likely" the inmates had help, Kirkpatrick added, emphasizing they’ve likely ditched their jumpsuits.

Chief of Corrections Jeworski "Jay" Mallett highlighted "several security breaches," particularly the facility’s inadequate infrastructure.

"The primary security breach and concern is the facility’s infrastructure," he said. "We’ve identified that we have a large number of high-security individuals in a minimum custody facility."

Attorney General Liz Murrill issued a statement blasting the sheriff’s office.

"Someone clearly dropped the ball and there’s no excuse for this," Murrill said. "This is beyond unacceptable, and once these offenders are back in custody, there must be real accountability."

The FBI, U.S. Marshals, Louisiana State Police, and New Orleans’ violent offender warrant squad are assisting in the search, with the FBI offering up to $5,000 for tips leading to arrests.

Hutson vowed a full investigation, stating, "We are launching a full investigation to determine how this escape occurred, including reviewing facility protocols, staff performance and physical security measures."

She delayed notifying most agencies and the public until 10:30 a.m., a decision Murrill criticized as endangering communities.

The streets of New Orleans are now a hunting ground for these violent predators, and the public was left in the dark for hours.