News Summary
The Louisiana State Police has raised the reward for information leading to the capture of two escapees from the Orleans Parish Correctional Facility to $50,000 each. Antoine T. Massey and Derrick Groves escaped on May 16, with eight other escapees already apprehended. A massive manhunt continues as law enforcement seeks assistance from the public. Concerns have been raised about the security breaches that allowed the escape, highlighting the need for improved oversight of correctional facilities.
New Orleans
The Louisiana State Police has increased the reward for information leading to the arrest of the two remaining escapees from the Orleans Parish Correctional Facility to $50,000 each. The announcement was made via social media on Thursday afternoon, indicating that the reward applies individually to each fugitive, Antoine T. Massey and Derrick Groves, for any tips that lead to their capture.
Massey and Groves are among ten inmates who escaped from a New Orleans jail on May 16. Since the escape, law enforcement agencies have captured and returned eight of the escapees back to custody, leaving Massey and Groves still at large. The two fugitives have been subjects of an extensive manhunt involving federal, state, and local authorities.
Authorities coordinated efforts in Natchez when Massey was reportedly sighted in that area on Tuesday morning. Following the sighting, a thorough search was conducted by helicopter, on foot, and through digital tracking. However, it was later determined that Massey was no longer in Natchez.
Massey has a troubling history, with prior charges including second-degree murder, obstruction of justice, and weapons violations. His record includes at least four previous escapes from custody. On the other hand, Groves was awaiting trial on charges including attempted second-degree murder, armed robbery, and illegal possession of a firearm.
Residents in the region are urged to report any information regarding the suspects’ whereabouts. They can do so by contacting the Adams County Sheriff’s Office at 601-442-2752, local Crimestoppers at 888-442-5001, Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans at 504-822-1111, or the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
The escape from the Orleans Justice Center involved inmates prying open a faulty cell door and slipping through a hole located behind a toilet. This significant breach of security was only discovered during a morning headcount hours after the escape occurred, raising serious concerns about the management and safety protocols in place at the New Orleans jail. Graffiti was left at the scene, reading “To Easy LoL,” which further highlights the daring nature of the escape.
While there were initial beliefs that Massey might still be present in Natchez due to a 911 tip, law enforcement has since confirmed that he is not in the area. Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten has reassured residents by stating that while Massey may have been in the vicinity at one time, active investigations indicate he has since departed. The combined efforts of local law enforcement and support from federal agencies continue as they strive to capture the remaining escapees and enhance community safety.
The series of events raises important questions regarding security and oversight within correctional facilities, and officials are likely to face scrutiny over the effectiveness of their systems in preventing such escapes. Public apprehension remains palpable as the manhunt goes on, and the law enforcement community remains vigilant in their efforts to locate Antoine Massey and Derrick Groves.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Increased Reward Offered for Escaped Inmates in New Orleans
Escaped Inmates in New Orleans: Urgent Manhunt Ongoing
Reward Offered for Capture of Escaped Inmates in New Orleans
Second-Degree Murder Arrest in New Orleans Shooting
New Orleans Woman Arrested in Jailbreak of Ten Inmates
Mass Jailbreak in New Orleans Sparks Manhunt for Escapees
Jailbreak at Orleans Parish Prison Leaves Two Inmates at Large
Intensified Manhunt for Dangerous New Orleans Fugitives
Manhunt Continues for Orleans Parish Jail Escapees
Manhunt Underway for Inmates Escaped from New Orleans Jail
Additional Resources
- Natchez Democrat
- WJTV
- WDSU
- WWL-TV
- Fox 8 Live
- Wikipedia: Manhunt
- Google Search: Louisiana inmate escape
- Google Scholar: Jail escapes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Prison escape
- Google News: Inmate escape
