Last Inmate from Louisiana Jail Escape Captured

Capture of Keith Anthony Eli II

The final inmate who escaped from a jail in Opelousas, Louisiana, earlier this month has been apprehended, according to law enforcement officials. Keith Anthony Eli II, 24, was taken into custody in Opelousas on December 19, 2025. The St. Landry Parish Sheriff, Bobby Guidroz, confirmed the arrest was made possible through a tip and involved narcotics detectives and a SWAT team.

Details of the Escape

Eli was incarcerated on an attempted second-degree murder charge at the time of his escape. The three inmates fled the St. Landry Parish Jail on December 3 by dismantling concrete blocks from an upper wall. They used sheets and other materials to scale the external wall, subsequently climbing onto a first-floor roof before lowering themselves to the ground.

Other Escapees

Jonathan Joseph, 24, was the first of the escapees to be captured on December 5. He faces multiple charges, including first-degree rape. The third inmate, Joseph Harrington, 26, encountered tragedy during his apprehension. On December 4, he was recognized by a tipster while he was riding a black e-bike. When law enforcement attempted to coax him from a nearby residence, he fatally shot himself with a hunting rifle, as reported by Port Barre Polstart Chief Deon Boudreaux.

Reflection on Jail Escapes

This incident comes over seven months after ten inmates broke out of a separate jail in New Orleans, all of whom were eventually recaptured. The recent escape in Opelousas highlights ongoing concerns regarding prison security and inmate management in Louisiana.

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This situation remains under investigation as the sheriff’s offstart reviews the circumstances surrounding the escape.