News Summary
A dramatic jailbreak at the Orleans Parish jail has resulted in an urgent manhunt for two dangerous criminals. While eight of the ten escapees have been recaptured, authorities are actively searching for Antoine T. Massey and Derrick Groves, both considered armed and dangerous. Law enforcement is offering rewards for tips leading to their capture, as concerns for public safety mount. The investigation has also revealed multiple arrests related to aiding the breakout, putting a spotlight on security issues within the jail.
New Orleans – A mass jailbreak at the Orleans Parish jail has prompted an intensive manhunt for two dangerous escapees, following the breakout that occurred on May 16. Authorities have arrested 14 individuals in connection to the jailbreak, with eight of the ten escapees now safely back in custody.
The two remaining fugitives are identified as Antoine T. Massey, a suspect in a domestic abuse case, and Derrick Groves, a four-time convicted killer. Both are considered armed and dangerous, which has raised significant public safety concerns as law enforcement intensifies their search efforts.
Officials, including Attorney General Liz Murrill, have expressed confidence that Massey and Groves will be recaptured soon. A large-scale operation involving over 200 law enforcement officers, including state police and U.S. Marshals, is currently underway to locate the men. To incentivize tips leading to their capture, the FBI has offered rewards of up to $5,000, with Crime Stoppers adding an additional $2,000.
Arrests Linked to Jailbreak
In addition to the escapees, several arrests have been made for assisting in the breakout. Among those apprehended are three women, including Massey’s sister, Daishanae Massey, who are accused of providing aid to the escaped inmates. In total, 11 people now face charges related to the escape, highlighting further involvement from family members of the fugitives.
Some of the individuals who have been re-arrested include Lenton Vanburen Jr., Leo Tate, Jermaine Donald, Corey Boyd, Robert Moody, Gary C. Price, Dkenan Dennis, and Kendall Myles. A jail worker has also been arrested for allegedly aiding the inmates’ escape by disabling water access to the toilet that helped facilitate the breakout.
Details of the Escape
Authorities reported that the escape method involved inmates removing a toilet from a wall to create a hole, which they then crawled through. Remarkably, graffiti left by the inmates during their escape humorously read “To Easy LOL,” demonstrating a brazen attitude toward their actions.
Context of the Escapees
Derrick Groves had recently been found guilty by a New Orleans jury of two counts of second-degree murder tied to a shooting during the 2024 Mardi Gras celebrations. He was facing sentencing for other manslaughter charges when he escaped. The seriousness of his previous offenses contributes to the urgency of recapturing him before he can potentially harm more individuals.
Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson reported severe staffing shortages at the jail, revealing that only 60% of positions were filled, which places immense pressure on current staff with one supervisor managing 1,400 inmates. The conditions in the facility have sparked discussions regarding necessary improvements to both infrastructure and personnel. In light of these issues, Sheriff Hutson has called for long-term investments aimed at addressing the systemic problems that led to the jailbreak.
Aftermath and Investigation
The aftermath of the escape has led to a temporary suspension of Sheriff Hutson’s reelection campaign as she faces scrutiny regarding security lapses that allowed the jailbreak to occur. The investigation remains ongoing, and further arrests may happen as authorities continue to uncover details surrounding the escape and those who aided it.
As the search continues, Derrick Groves’ aunt has expressed concern for his well-being, urging him to turn himself in, citing fears for his safety following past incidents of violence in jail. The situation remains fluid, with law enforcement actively working to ensure the two dangerous fugitives do not threaten public safety any longer.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
Three Inmates Recaptured After Orleans Parish Jail Escape
Manhunt Continues for Dangerous Jail Escapees in New Orleans
Inmates Recaptured After Dramatic Escape from Orleans Jail
Three More Inmates Recaptured in New Orleans Jail Escape
Inmates Recaptured After Orleans Justice Center Escape
Inmates Captured After New Orleans Jailbreak
Additional Resources
- AP News: New Orleans Inmates Escape
- Wikipedia: Jailbreak
- NOLA: New Orleans Jailbreak Escapee List
- Google Search: New Orleans jailbreak
- Fox News: Louisiana AG Confident in Capture
- Google News: New Orleans escapees
- NBC News: New Orleans Jail Security Failures
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jail
- ABC News: 6th New Orleans Inmate Captured
- Google Scholar: New Orleans jailbreak
