Two inmates, Jermaine Donald and Leo Tate, were extradited back to Louisiana after their escape from the Orleans Parish Justice Center. They managed to evade authorities for over eight hours before a high-speed chase led to their capture in Texas. The jailbreak has raised concerns about jail security and has prompted a massive manhunt, with two other escapees still on the loose. Investigations are underway to hold those involved accountable, including a plumber accused of aiding in the escape.
New Orleans, LA – Two inmates, Jermaine Donald, 42, and Leo Tate, 31, were extradited back to Louisiana on May 30 after being arrested in Huntsville, Texas. Their arrest follows a dramatic escape from the Orleans Parish Justice Center.
The duo escaped from the facility on May 16 by removing a toilet and sink unit in their cell, creating a hole through which they made their way out. They managed to leave the jail undetected for over eight hours until their absence was noted during a morning headcount. Subsequently, authorities began a high-speed chase that ultimately resulted in their capture in Texas.
A total of ten inmates escaped during this jailbreak. On the same day, three of the escapees were recaptured, and two more were apprehended a week later, leaving two still at large: Antoine Massey, 32, and Derrick Groves, 27. Both individuals have lengthy criminal records, prompting authorities to increase the rewards for information leading to their capture to $50,000 each.
Derrick Groves has a history marked by significant violent crimes. He has been convicted of two charges of second-degree murder and two charges of attempted second-degree murder associated with a shooting during Mardi Gras in 2018. Moreover, he is currently facing a pending manslaughter charge since October.
Antoine Massey has faced multiple legal issues, including charges for domestic abuse involving strangulation, theft of a motor vehicle, and serious offenses in St. Tammany Parish, including a warrant for second-degree rape and kidnapping.
The escape has sparked a massive manhunt, leading to the arrest of over a dozen individuals accused of helping the escapees both before and after the jailbreak. Investigators have uncovered evidence suggesting that the escape plan took advantage of various failures within the criminal justice system, particularly in jail security measures and supervision protocols.
During their fugitive status, some escapees reportedly used internet phone services to evade detection and communicate with accomplices, complicating ongoing efforts to locate them. This escape has raised concerns within the local community, particularly among families of the victims of the crimes committed by the escaped inmates.
The incident has attracted attention from state officials, including Governor Jeff Landry, who has called for an investigation into the systemic failures that allowed this escape to occur. Findings have revealed long-standing issues with jail management, including chronic understaffing and malfunctioning equipment.
Local Sheriff Susan Hutson has faced criticism for procedural failures related to the jail’s security protocols. Additionally, Donald faces additional charges for allegedly resisting an officer during his apprehension.
Authorities have also arrested a jail plumber who is accused of assisting the inmates in their escape after one of the escapees, Massey, allegedly threatened to disable their water supply. Following investigations, it has become apparent that several individuals supported the inmates after their escape by providing resources, including cash, transportation, and shelter.
As the search continues for Massey and Groves, law enforcement remains vigilant, emphasizing its commitment to restoring safety to the community and holding all parties involved accountable for their roles in the escape.
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