8 Inmates Escape Louisiana Jail

A massive manhunt in rural northeast Louisiana ended swiftly on Saturday as authorities recaptured all eight inmates — including several facing murder charges — who had broken out of the Riverbend Detention Center in Lake Providence just a day earlier.

The escape from the East Carroll Parish facility was discovered early Friday morning, around 1:20 a.m., when jail staff reported the eight men missing. Louisiana State Police quickly took the lead in the search, mobilizing a multi-agency response that included local sheriff's offices, the U.S. Marshals Service, the FBI, and other state and federal partners.

The fugitives, all described by officials as violent offenders, ranged in age from 19 to 31 and faced serious charges including murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault with a firearm, and aggravated flight from officers. Among them were three suspects linked to homicide cases: Trenton Taplin, 29, charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder; Destin Brogan, 22, and Kelin Looney (also reported as Kolin Loney), 21, both facing second-degree murder charges. Other escapees included Krisean Salinas, 21; Kevin Slaughter Jr., 25; Koplelon Vicknair, 19; Savion Wheeler (or Savon Wheeler), 31; and Hugo Molina (or Molino), 27. At least half of the group were held on murder-related accusations, according to state police.

Authorities urged the public not to approach the men under any circumstances and to report any suspicious activity immediately, emphasizing the potential danger posed by the group.The search progressed rapidly. By Friday afternoon, three inmates — Taplin, Molina, and Wheeler — were taken back into custody without incident. Additional captures followed through the evening, with Looney and Slaughter located by around 10 p.m. The final three — Salinas, Brogan, and Vicknair — were apprehended shortly before midnight, bringing the manhunt to a close less than 24 hours after the breakout was discovered.

Louisiana State Police credited collaborative efforts, including the Critical Response Emergency Search Team (CREST), for the quick resolution. Details on exactly how the inmates managed to escape the Riverbend Detention Center have not been publicly released.

The incident marks the latest in a series of jailbreaks in Louisiana that have raised questions about facility security in recent years. All eight men have been returned to custody at the detention center, and no injuries were reported during the escape or recapture operations.

17GEN4.com