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Eight Escaped Inmates Recaptured Amid Growing Security Concerns

2/1/2026

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Center

Inmates Recaptured After Escape

Eight inmates who escaped from the Riverbend Detention Center were recaptured in Baton Rouge.
Destin Brogan is among the recaptured inmates and is accused of murdering Erion Franklin in 2022.
Beaunka Powell, the victim's mother, expressed fear and anger over the escape and questioned the facility's security.
Dante Irvin, convicted of first-degree murder at age 15, awaits sentencing for the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Michael McCune in Cedar Rapids.
In Gautier, Mississippi, police continue to investigate the shooting death of 22-year-old Zavionne Payne, with his mother seeking answers.

Right

Judge Denies Leave

A Broward County judge denied Larry Smith's request for temporary jail leave to attend the birth of his child in the Myrah Zeigler murder case in Fort Lauderdale.
Zeigler was 19 at her death in Fort Lauderdale.
Zeigler's mother, Alacia Ford-Barron, expressed anguish and said she felt empowered by the judge's decision.
Ford-Barron founded the nonprofit "Myrah's Purpose" to advocate for young adults affected by violence.

History

Historical Context

The 2022 escape from Riverbend Detention Center underscores persistent issues in U.S. prison security, reminiscent of the 1971 Attica Prison riot, which resulted in 43 deaths and prompted significant reforms. The recapture of inmates like Destin Brogan, charged with murder, raises critical questions about rehabilitation and public safety, potentially leading to increased scrutiny and policy changes in correctional facilities nationwide.

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Inmates Recaptured After Escape

Eight inmates who escaped from the Riverbend Detention Center were recaptured in Baton Rouge.
Destin Brogan is among the recaptured inmates and is accused of murdering Erion Franklin in 2022.
Beaunka Powell, the victim's mother, expressed fear and anger over the escape and questioned the facility's security.
Dante Irvin, convicted of first-degree murder at age 15, awaits sentencing for the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Michael McCune in Cedar Rapids.
In Gautier, Mississippi, police continue to investigate the shooting death of 22-year-old Zavionne Payne, with his mother seeking answers.

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