News Summary
Nearly a month after 10 inmates escaped from the Orleans Parish jail, authorities have arrested 14 individuals for aiding the escapees. Currently, two escapees remain at large, including a convicted double murderer and a notorious repeat escape artist. The operation involved intricate planning with assistance from family members and jail staff. Surveillance footage revealed the escape occurred undetected for over seven hours. This incident has raised serious concerns over jail security as investigations unfold into critical staffing levels and operational failures at the facility.
New Orleans, LA – Nearly one month after 10 inmates escaped from the Orleans Parish jail on May 16, authorities have arrested 14 individuals for providing criminal assistance to the escapees. Currently, just two of the original escapees remain at large—Derrick Groves, a convicted double murderer, and Antoine Massey, a notorious repeat escape artist.
Groves, 27, was convicted of two counts of second-degree murder related to a shooting during Mardi Gras in 2018, and he faces a life sentence without the possibility of parole. Massey, 32, has a long history of escape attempts stretching back to 2007, including a previous breakout from a juvenile detention facility. The involvement of the 14 arrested individuals in aiding the escapees indicates a widespread network that included family members, girlfriends, former jail employees, and even current staff hired at the jail.
The inmates were allegedly assisted in diverse ways including cash transfers via phone applications, transportation logistics, and safe houses, alongside receiving advance warnings regarding their escape plan. Among those arrested, Sterling Williams, a maintenance worker at the jail, was charged with malfeasance for allegedly cutting off water supply to facilitate the escape. However, Williams maintains that his intention was merely to fix a clogged toilet.
The escape plan itself was bold, involving the cutting of steel bars located behind a toilet, which allowed the inmates to slip through to a loading dock. Surveillance footage has confirmed that the escape began at 12:23 a.m. and went undetected until around 8:30 a.m. during a routine head count, giving the inmates a seven-hour head start.
This incident occurred just days after Sheriff Susan Hutson sent out a campaign email highlighting earlier security improvements at the jail, raising questions about the effectiveness of those measures. Currently, the Orleans Justice Center operates at only 60% staffing levels while supervising over 1,400 inmates, which has led to critical scrutiny over security practices within the facility.
The escapees etched graffiti messages at their escape point, stating “To Easy LoL” and “We Innocent,” which has drawn additional attention. Significant resources have been mobilized by state authorities in the search for the fugitives, resulting in the establishment of a 200-member task force. Though eight out of the original ten escapees have been recaptured—some of whom fled as far as Texas and were caught following high-speed chases—Groves and Massey remain at large, inciting public concern.
To incentivize information leading to their capture, a reward has been raised to $100,000, with $50,000 offered for each fugitive. Authorities reported that individuals supporting the escapees utilized technology to maintain communication and evade law enforcement, including internet phone services, further complicating the manhunt.
The escape incident has triggered multiple investigations and heightened scrutiny of jail operations and overall staffing levels, which some officials deem insufficient. District Attorney Jason Williams has expressed personal fears for his safety and the safety of his staff involved in cases connected to the escapees, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
This jailbreak has exposed alarming systemic failures and critical gaps in safety measures at the Orleans Justice Center. As a result, community leaders and citizens are calling for immediate reforms and increased oversight to prevent such occurrences in the future. The event has left residents in New Orleans fearful, with several witnesses and the families of victims opting to relocate for their safety.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Manhunt Underway for Seven Inmates Who Escaped Orleans Parish Prison
Ongoing Manhunt for Escaped Inmates in New Orleans Jail
New Orleans Bars Shine in National Recognition
Escaped Inmates Raise Safety Concerns in New Orleans
New Orleans on High Alert as Authorities Pursue Escaped Fugitives
Girlfriend of Inmate Arrested for Aiding Escape from Orleans Justice Center
Former Sheriff’s Office Employee Arrested for Escape Plot
New Orleans Faces EMS Staffing Crisis Amid Rising Demand
Man Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter in New Orleans Shooting
Girlfriend of Escaped Inmate Arrested in Conspiracy Case
Additional Resources
- WWLTV: New Orleans Jail Escape
- USA Today: New Orleans Jailbreak
- ABC News: New Orleans Jail Escape Reward
- NBC News: New Orleans Fugitive’s Girlfriend Arrested
- CNN: New Orleans Escape
- Wikipedia: New Orleans
- Google Search: New Orleans Jail Escape
- Encyclopedia Britannica: New Orleans
- Google News: New Orleans Jail Escape
