Family Discussion: Jailbreak in New Orleans
The following article is designed to help parents dialogue about a current event with their children. It was written at a 6th grade reading level.
READ
Five inmates are still on the run after escaping from a New Orleans, Louisiana jail early last Friday morning.
Around 1:00 a.m., ten inmates—some facing murder charges—broke out by pulling a broken cell door off its tracks and ripping a toilet and sink out of the wall. The hole led to a loading dock. They then climbed a fence and ran across a highway into a nearby neighborhood. Jail staff didn’t notice they were gone until a headcount at 8:30 a.m.
Five inmates have been caught around the city. A jail worker was arrested for helping with the escape. Police say the worker turned off the water for the inmates so they could pull the toilet off the wall as part of their escape plan.
Police are using live facial recognition technology to search for the inmates. This has some people worried about privacy.
REFLECT
How can I model putting my hope and trust in Christ when discussing this story?
It is scary to think murderers have escaped and are on the loose. We should be grateful for the authorities working to keep the public safe, placing themselves at risk for the sake of others. Followers of Christ can also have a deeper peace—not because nothing bad can happen to us on earth, but because regardless of what happens on earth, our eternity is secure.
What response to this story do I want to model for my children?
Loving the inmates, despite their crimes and bad decisions. It’s easy to view them as purely sinful people and forget they’re made in God’s image. When talking about judgment day in Matthew 25, Jesus esteems the people who visit those in prison, commending them alongside people who care for the sick and clothe the needy.
The way we treat those who are often forgotten in society (like prisoners) is a reflection of our love for Him.
RESPOND
Discuss as a family how God has protected you from danger. Look back on times you were afraid, and how God showed up.
Memorize Proverbs 16:9, which says, “A person’s heart plans his way, but the LORD determines his steps.”
Pray for everyone involved in the jail escape—police, community members, jail staff, and the inmates. Ask God to bring truth, safety, and changed hearts.
Credit: Decaf (The Pour Over for Families). "Jailbreak." May 22, 2025.