Conflicts

One Inmate Recaptured, One Dead After Louisiana Jail Escape; Manhunt Continues for Third

Illustration for: One Inmate Recaptured, One Dead After Louisiana Jail Escape; Manhunt Continues for Third
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Dec 7, 2025

THE BARE STORY

Three inmates escaped from the St. Landry Parish Jail in Louisiana on Wednesday by breaking through a deteriorating wall, according to officials. The men reportedly used sheets and other materials to scale an exterior wall, get onto a roof, and lower themselves to the ground. One of the men has since been taken into custody, one is dead, and a search is ongoing for the third.

Authorities located one of the escapees, 26-year-old Joseph Harrington, on Thursday after receiving a tip. The Port Barre Police Chief stated that as officers were trying to persuade Harrington to exit a building, they heard a gunshot. Harrington was reportedly found to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound from a hunting rifle. The same day, 24-year-old Jonathan Joseph was captured after a tip led deputies to a home where he was hiding. Sheriff's officials said he surrendered after a foot chase.

A manhunt continues for the third inmate, 24-year-old Keith Eli. According to the sheriff's office, Eli faces a charge of attempted second-degree murder. Authorities have warned the public not to approach him. Records from the sheriff's office reportedly show that prior to the escape, Joseph faced a charge of principal to first-degree rape, while Harrington faced nine felony charges, including home invasion.

In response to the incident, St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz has launched an internal investigation. A spokesperson for the sheriff's department warned residents to secure their homes and vehicles and stated that anyone who aided the escapees would be prosecuted.

Same Facts. Different Perspectives.

Two AI models. Two viewpoints. One factual foundation.

Perspective by Claude

• A manhunt is underway for the remaining escaped inmate. Authorities are actively searching for 24-year-old Keith Eli, who the sheriff's office says faces a charge of attempted second-degree murder. Officials have warned the public not to approach him, underscoring the ongoing public safety risk.

• One escapee has been captured and another is deceased. Following a tip, deputies located 24-year-old Jonathan Joseph, who surrendered after a foot chase. In a separate incident, police located 26-year-old Joseph Harrington after another tip; as they tried to persuade him to exit a building, a gunshot was heard. Authorities reported that Harrington died from a self-inflicted wound.

• Officials have launched an investigation and issued public warnings. The St. Landry Parish Sheriff has started an internal investigation into the escape. A spokesperson for the department also warned that anyone who aided the inmates would be prosecuted and advised residents to secure their homes and vehicles.

How it may affect me

As a U.S. reader:

• An inmate charged with attempted murder remains at large, prompting officials to warn the public not to approach him and to secure homes and vehicles.

• This escape, caused by a deteriorating jail wall, has launched an internal investigation that could lead to broader reviews of correctional facility infrastructure and security.

• The reliance on public tips to locate two inmates underscores the critical role community information plays in law enforcement operations following security breaches at jails.

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