News Summary
Antoine Massey, one of the last two escapees from a New Orleans jail, claims in a social media video that he was ‘let out’ instead of escaping. A raid on a location tied to the video yielded clothing belonging to him but no capture. Authorities are investigating hints of family support for the escape. A bounty of $50,000 is placed on both Massey and another convicted escapee, Derrick Groves, as the manhunt intensifies. Massey faces serious charges and has a history of evading law enforcement, raising community safety concerns.
New Orleans – Antoine Massey, 33, remains at large as one of the last two escapees from a New Orleans jail, having posted a video on social media in which he claims he was “let out” rather than having escaped. Authorities have since raided a residence believed to be the location where the video was filmed but were unable to locate Massey. However, clothing belonging to him was discovered at the site. Reports indicate that Massey’s relatives may have tipped off law enforcement regarding the residence’s location.
In the now-deleted Instagram video, Massey denies breaking out of jail on May 16. He uses the platform to appeal to public figures for assistance, including the President and notable rappers, while expressing his inability to afford legal representation to prove his innocence regarding pending charges. Massey further contends that he has not threatened Sterling Williams, a jail maintenance worker accused of helping facilitate the escape and who is currently facing coercion allegations.
Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson has urged Massey to surrender to authorities voluntarily to mitigate potential additional charges against him. The Louisiana State Police have refrained from validating the video’s authenticity, citing concerns that this could disrupt the ongoing investigation.
Ongoing Manhunt and Escape Details
Since the jailbreak incident, law enforcement has successfully recaptured eight of the ten inmates who escaped. Only Antoine Massey and Derrick Groves, 28, a convicted killer, remain unaccounted for. The inmates managed to flee from the Orleans Parish Justice Facility by creating a hole behind a toilet and then scaling a barbed-wire fence.
Massey was awaiting trial for charges that include domestic abuse, theft of a motor vehicle, and a parole violation at the time of his escape. Notably, this incident marks the fourth time Massey has evaded police custody, and he has a documented history of domestic violence allegations. Furthermore, his sister, Daishanae Massey, is among 14 individuals arrested in connection with the escape, indicating a potential network of support aiding the escapees.
For information leading to their capture, both Massey and Groves have been assigned a bounty of $50,000. A concerted manhunt involving local and federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and the U.S. Marshals Service, is intensifying as they utilize tips from the public and technological resources to locate the fugitives.
Investigation of Social Media Activity
Following the posting of the video, an investigation into both its authenticity and the social media account involved is ongoing. Experts suggest that Massey’s social media activity may assist law enforcement in tracking both his location and mental state. Historical data indicates that over 90% of inmates who escape are eventually recaptured, which may offer some reassurance as authorities continue their search.
Prior to his escape, Massey was facing serious charges, including kidnapping, rape, and domestic abuse. As the search for him continues, it has now entered its 19th day since the jailbreak, raising concerns among the community regarding public safety and the management of inmates within the justice system.
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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.
