Police officers intensify their search efforts for escaped fugitives in New Orleans.
New Orleans is in heightened awareness as U.S. Marshals ramp up efforts to recapture escaped inmates Derrick Groves and Antoine Massey. Their jailbreak, noted as the largest in Louisiana’s history, has triggered a multi-agency manhunt. Investigators arrested Groves’ girlfriend, Darriana Burton, for conspiracy related to the escape, bringing new developments to the case. Despite eight of the ten escapees being recaptured, both Groves and Massey remain at large, prompting increased surveillance and community cooperation to aid in their recapture.
New Orleans is currently in a heightened state of awareness as U.S. Marshals express increasing confidence in recapturing fugitives Derrick Groves and Antoine Massey, who escaped from a local jail nearly a month ago. The jailbreak, which has been deemed Louisiana’s largest in recorded history, occurred on May 16. Investigators believe that Groves and Massey may be recaptured within weeks, despite a recent cut in manpower.
The U.S. Marshals have previously deployed a significant surge of resources in an effort to locate the escapees. A coordinated multi-agency approach involving federal, state, and local law enforcement has been initiated to ensure all potential leads are thoroughly pursued. The Louisiana State Police has committed to following every possible avenue to locate the remaining fugitives.
An initial break in the case occurred this week with the arrest of Darriana Burton, allegedly Groves’ girlfriend, who has been charged with conspiracy to commit simple escape. Burton had been employed at the jail until January 2024 and was previously terminated for purportedly smuggling contraband into the facility. Her arrest marks the first significant legal development in the investigation over the last two weeks, raising speculation that law enforcement might have strategically delayed her apprehension to gather more evidence against her.
Investigators suggest that the escapees may feel a false sense of confidence due to their familiarity with New Orleans, as both men are not seasoned criminals when it comes to avoiding law enforcement. The U.S. Marshals have bolstered their efforts by utilizing advanced technological resources, including tracking social media activities, which is a tactic proposed by criminal justice expert Joe Giacalone.
The jailbreak involved manipulating a malfunctioning cell door, removing a toilet, crawling through the resulting opening, and scaling a barbed-wire fence. Allegations have surfaced regarding significant lapses in security protocols that may have allowed the escape to transpire, as noted by city officials. Furthermore, investigations revealed that Groves coordinated his escape with Burton via vague FaceTime calls prior to the incident.
Out of the ten inmates that managed to escape, eight have already been reapprehended, leaving only Groves and Massey still on the run. Both men are classified as armed and dangerous, prompting increased surveillance and efforts to locate them. Inmates had previously reported hazardous and dehumanizing conditions within the New Orleans jail leading up to the escape, including issues with water quality. Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson has faced scrutiny as a consequence of the substandard conditions, resulting in the temporary suspension of her re-election campaign.
The Louisiana Attorney General’s Office has characterized this jailbreak as the most severe in the recent history of the state. The investigation has led to a total of 14 arrests related to aiding the escapees, further complicating the search for Groves and Massey amid ongoing investigations into the larger operational failures at the jail.
Additionally, Mayor LaToya Cantrell has faced criticism for her perceived absence during the ongoing manhunt for the escapees. Tensions escalated earlier this week when a viral video surfaced, showing a man believed to be Antoine Massey, which prompted a SWAT response. Clothes linked to the escape have also been discovered, potentially providing useful evidence for authorities as they continue their relentless pursuit of the fugitives.
As the investigation unfolds, law enforcement agencies stress the importance of cooperating with local communities while urging individuals to report any information that could assist in recapturing Groves and Massey. Authorities remain vigilant, as the manhunt continues to develop in the coming weeks.
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Girlfriend of Escaped Inmate Arrested in Conspiracy Case
Former Sheriff’s Office Employee Arrested for Jailbreak
Dramatic Jailbreak at Orleans Parish Correctional Facility
Daring Inmates Escape from Orleans Justice Center
Manhunt Continues for Escaped Inmate in New Orleans
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