Manhunt Continues for Dangerous Jail Escapees in New Orleans

Categories: Breaking NewsCrimeGovernment NewsNews

Authorities are on high alert as they continue the search for dangerous inmates who escaped from jail.

News Summary

Eight of the ten inmates who escaped from a New Orleans jail have been recaptured, but two remain at large. Derrick Groves and Antoine Massey are considered extremely dangerous, prompting a manhunt that has extended into Texas. The jailbreak has raised serious security concerns, leading to an independent investigation into the Orleans Parish jail’s management and security measures. Authorities are offering a $20,000 reward for information on the escapees’ whereabouts, urging the public to remain vigilant.

New Orleans – Eight of the ten inmates who escaped from a New Orleans jail on May 16, 2025, have been recaptured, officials announced. However, authorities are still actively searching for two escapees, Derrick Groves and Antoine Massey, who remain at large and are considered extremely dangerous.

The jailbreak has prompted an extensive manhunt that has stretched into Texas as law enforcement agencies work around the clock to locate the remaining fugitives. The escapees were able to breach the jail’s security by removing a toilet and sink unit, creating an opening in their cell wall. They left behind graffiti that read “To Easy Lol,” which has raised questions about the facility’s security measures.

Three of the escapees were apprehended on May 26, with one captured by Baton Rouge Police and the other two taken into custody by the Texas Department of Public Safety. In connection with the escape, six individuals have been arrested for allegedly aiding the inmates in their flight from jail. Among those arrested is a 21-year-old woman named Diamond White, and Sterling Williams, a jail maintenance worker, has been charged as a principal to aggravated escape for his alleged role in facilitating the jailbreak.

Details on the Escapees

Derrick Groves, 27, is serving time for second-degree murder related to the 2018 Mardi Gras Day shootings. His accomplice, Antoine Massey, 33, has a lengthy criminal history that includes various offenses such as motor vehicle theft, domestic abuse battery involving strangulation, domestic violence, second-degree kidnapping, and second-degree rape. Officials are particularly concerned about Massey’s history of violence, which adds to the urgency of his capture.

Security Lapses and Investigation

The incident has raised serious concerns regarding security and management at the Orleans Parish jail. Local and state officials have acknowledged that security lapses played a significant role in the jailbreak. These issues had already been highlighted in prior reports from an independent watchdog, which indicated deteriorating conditions in the jail with inadequate supervision and security measures.

In response to the jailbreak, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has announced an independent investigation to examine the circumstances surrounding the escape and the overall operation of the facility. The investigation aims to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future and to safeguard the community from the risks posed by dangerous individuals on the run.

Reward for Information

To encourage the public to assist in locating the remaining escapees, authorities are offering a reward of $20,000 for information leading to the capture of Derrick Groves and Antoine Massey. The community is urged to remain vigilant and report any sightings or knowledge regarding the whereabouts of these fugitives.

Conclusion

The ongoing manhunt underscores the serious implications of the jailbreak and the urgent need for increased security within the Orleans Parish jail system. As law enforcement officials continue their search for Groves and Massey, they emphasize the importance of public cooperation in ensuring the safety and security of both inmates and residents in the area.