News Summary
Derrick Groves, the last of ten inmates who escaped from a New Orleans jail in May 2025, was captured in Atlanta following a five-month search. His apprehension came after U.S. Marshals received a tip that helped locate him hiding in a crawl space. Groves, known for his violent criminal history, was found with illegal items at the residence. Following his arrest, he faces extradition hearings and additional charges related to his escape, wrapping up a high-profile manhunt that raised public safety concerns.
Atlanta, Georgia
Derrick Groves, the last of ten inmates who escaped from a New Orleans jail on May 16, 2025, was captured on October 8, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia, concluding a five-month search. Groves was located hiding in a crawl space beneath a house following a standoff with U.S. Marshals and Atlanta police.
A tip received through New Orleans Crimestoppers proved crucial for authorities, leading them to Groves’ hiding spot. During the operation, law enforcement deployed gas canisters and utilized a police dog to assist in locating him. Groves had prepared the crawl space for an extended period, suggesting he intended to remain hidden for some time.
At the time of his escape, Groves was facing a potential life sentence for second-degree murder related to a shooting incident during a Mardi Gras block party that resulted in two fatalities. He was recognized for having the most violent criminal record among the escapees, raising concerns about public safety during his time on the run.
Details of the Escape
The jailbreak that enabled Groves and nine other inmates to flee involved them forcibly yanking open a faulty cell door, removing a toilet from the wall, crawling through a hole they created, and ultimately scaling a barbed-wire fence. Inside the jail, messages such as “To Easy LoL” were scrawled above the escape hole, indicating the audacity of the plan.
The escape took place amidst significant staffing issues and reported design flaws within the jail’s management, which have been a point of criticism. Following the jailbreak, several individuals were arrested for allegedly aiding the inmates, including Groves’ girlfriend, Darriana Burton, who reportedly communicated with him regarding the escape plan.
Capture and Evidence
When captured, Groves was found shirtless and shoeless, and video footage documented him blowing a kiss to the camera as he was escorted into a police vehicle. The residence where he was arrested contained additional illegal items, such as a pistol and 15 pounds of marijuana, adding to his legal troubles.
After his capture, Groves is scheduled to face a hearing in Georgia regarding his extradition back to Louisiana. Following his arrest, law enforcement officials confirmed that all ten escapees have now been recaptured, with some apprehended shortly after the jailbreak while others were caught in locations including Texas and Baton Rouge.
Authorities’ Response and Future Proceedings
Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson has faced backlash over the management and infrastructure issues that permitted the escape. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, alongside other law enforcement officials, praised the collaborative effort that led to Groves’ capture, ensuring the public that all escapees are now back in custody.
In addition to facing charges for his previous crimes, Groves is now facing additional charges related to his escape, including being a fugitive from justice. His capture and the resolution of this case mark a significant conclusion to a protracted manhunt that has drawn attention to the conditions of the jail and the safety of the community during his time at large.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 8 Live
- Wikipedia: Derrick Groves
- NBC News
- Google Search: Derrick Groves
- WDSU
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Derrick Groves
- Atlanta News First
- Google News: Derrick Groves captured
- CBS News
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
