A man involved in a high-profile Orleans Justice Center escape was sentenced to life in prison without parole Thursday for a 2021 shooting that killed a New Orleans father.
Orleans Justice Center Escapee Sentenced to Life for 2021 Murder
Lenton Vanburen, 27, was sentenced by Criminal District Judge Robin Pittman for the Nov. 29, 2021, killing of 34-year-old Aurrel Brown Jr. in a shopping center parking lot on Chef Menteur Highway. Vanburen had been convicted of second-degree murder in a bench trial five weeks ago.
In addition to the life sentence, Vanburen received 20 years for attempted obstruction of justice and 7½ years for attempted possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Victim Remembered
Brown, a father of two, was remembered as a car enthusiast who mentored youth and worked on vehicles. At the time of his death, he was fighting for custody of his daughter, who later entered foster care.
In a letter read during sentencing, Brown’s family wrote:
“Our family has suffered a big loss. Mr. Vanburen did not have to shoot Aurrel once he walked away. His life was not in danger. If you killed someone just because their words made you feel played enough to kill them, you have issues to pray for.”
Escape from Orleans Justice Center
Vanburen was one of 10 inmates who broke out of the Orleans Justice Center by crawling through a hole in a first-floor cell pod, scaling a fence, and running across Interstate 10. He was captured 10 days later in Baton Rouge, sitting on a bench near a shopping plaza along Airline Highway. When questioned, Vanburen reportedly said he “saw an opportunity” and took it.
The other escapees who are considered mentally fit will face trial before District Judge Leon Roche on charges related to the Sept. 15 jailbreak.
This case highlights the consequences of violent crime and the risks involved in high-profile prison escapes.
