May 18, 2025

Family of Murder Victim Goes into Hiding After Jail Escape

News Summary

The family of Jamar Robinson, murdered during Mardi Gras in 2018, has gone into hiding following the escape of Derrick Groves, who was convicted in the double homicide. Groves escaped from Orleans Justice Center, prompting safety concerns for victims’ families and revealing serious jail security failures. As law enforcement pursues a manhunt for the remaining escapees, calls for investigation into the jail’s security protocols grow louder.

New Orleans — The family of murder victim Jamar Robinson has gone into hiding following the recent escape of Derrick Groves, who was convicted of murdering Robinson and Byron Jackson during Mardi Gras in 2018. Groves fled from the Orleans Justice Center shortly after midnight on Friday, raising serious concerns about safety for victims’ families and the security of the jail facility.

Groves, 27, was during the escape scheduled for sentencing on July 24 for the double homicide. His conviction followed a complex legal history, which included multiple trials, one of which resulted in a mistrial and another where the jury deadlocked. The family of Robinson celebrated what would have been his birthday just two days prior to Groves’ escape, marking the occasion at his gravesite.

The family, wishing to remain anonymous, has reported their fears for their safety in light of Groves’ escape. They visited a nearby NOPD station seeking assistance and were subsequently escorted home to gather their belongings before they left the city. They expressed their anger and disbelief over the lack of notification from the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office regarding the escape.

Details of the Escape

Details surrounding the escape indicate that Groves was one of ten inmates who broke free, with video footage capturing their breakout. Investigations show that the inmates breached a wall in their cell, with messages proclaiming their innocence found in the escape route. The routine headcount that revealed the inmates missing occurred at approximately 8:30 a.m., hours after they had fled.

Reports indicate significant security failures at the Orleans Parish Jail, where many cells operated with faulty locks and the facility was at only 60% staffing. Authorities confirmed that video monitoring was not actively observed during the escape, as a staff member had temporarily left their post. Following the incident, three jail employees have been placed on administrative leave, and the Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has demanded a complete investigation into the prison’s security practices.

Manhunt and Apprehensions

Law enforcement agencies, including local police, the FBI, and U.S. Marshals, are actively involved in the manhunt for the seven remaining escapees. As of now, three of the ten inmates have been recaptured. Kendell Myles was found hiding under a car and now faces additional charges related to his escape. Robert Moody and Dkenan Dennis were also apprehended following tips from the public and efficient police work. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and to avoid approaching any of the escapees, as they are deemed armed and dangerous.

Context and Public Safety Concerns

The escape has intensified concerns about public safety, especially regarding the families of crime victims. The feelings of fear and displacement are particularly poignant given Robinson’s family’s efforts to honor their lost loved one right before the escape happened. The Orleans Parish Jail’s challenges have drawn focus on security protocols, with many questioning how an escape of this nature could occur in the first place.

This incident has sparked a broader conversation about prison security in the state, with the attorney general’s call for a full investigation leading to increased scrutiny of the Orleans Justice Center’s operational standards. As the manhunt continues, vigilance in the community remains crucial to ensure public safety and the swift capture of the remaining escapees.

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Additional Resources

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.

STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER

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