News Summary
A manhunt is underway for seven dangerous inmates who escaped from the Orleans Justice Center on May 16. Derrick ‘Woo’ Groves, a convicted killer awaiting sentencing, is among the escapees. Following the jailbreak, three inmates were recaptured, but search efforts continue for the remaining four, deemed armed and dangerous. Governor Jeff Landry has increased the reward for information leading to their capture and ordered investigations into the jailbreak, which raised concerns about jail security and staffing issues.
New Orleans – A manhunt has intensified for seven dangerous escapees from the Orleans Justice Center following a jailbreak that took place on May 16. The incident, discovered during a routine headcount at 8:30 a.m., involved a total of ten inmates escaping, with seven still being sought by law enforcement officials.
Among the escapees is Derrick “Woo” Groves, a 27-year-old convicted killer with an extensive criminal record. Groves faces serious charges, including two counts of second-degree murder and is a four-time convicted felon. His prior convictions include the murders of Byron Jackson and Jamar Robinson on Mardi Gras Day, for which he received two mandatory life sentences. Additionally, Groves pleaded guilty to manslaughter in a July killing involving another victim, Woodrow Smith. At the time of his escape, Groves was awaiting sentencing on these charges.
Groves’s background also includes a history of drug dealing and allegations of assaulting a correctional employee during his time in custody. His aunt contended that he is innocent and claims that if the Orleans Justice Center had appropriate staffing levels, he would not have been able to escape. She noted that Groves had been previously stabbed three times while incarcerated.
The escape occurred when a jail employee momentarily stepped away from their post to get food, allowing inmates to breach a wall and make their way out. The escapees then used a loading dock door, scaled fences, and crossed I-10 to flee the facility.
As a result of the jailbreak, three of the escapees—Kendell Myles, Robert Moody, and Dkenan Dennis—were recaptured on May 19, but the remaining four individuals remain at large. Authorities have heightened public safety alerts, emphasizing that these escapees are considered armed and dangerous.
In response to the jailbreak, Governor Jeff Landry has increased the reward for information leading to the capture of each escapee to $20,000. He has also signed executive orders mandating thorough investigations and audits of the corrections system. The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office has acknowledged existing infrastructure problems at the jail, such as defective locks and malfunctioning security cameras, which may have contributed to the escape.
Currently, an internal investigation is underway, with three employees suspended amidst allegations that they may have assisted the inmates in their breakout. The search for the escapees is being coordinated on multiple levels, involving more than 200 law enforcement personnel who are actively engaged in the manhunt.
Public officials have criticized the timing of the notifications regarding the jailbreak, voicing concerns over communication and calling for improvements in jail security measures and oversight. They are pushing for systemic changes to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The ongoing investigation will potentially shed light on how the escape transpired, and it is widely expected that recommendations for enhancements to security protocols will emerge from this review. In the interim, authorities continue their efforts to locate the remaining escapees and ensure public safety.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Coordinated Jailbreak at Orleans Justice Center Sparks Manhunt
Massive Manhunt Underway for Escaped Inmates in New Orleans
Statewide Manhunt Underway for Escaped Inmates in New Orleans
Massive Jail Break Sparks Manhunt in New Orleans
Reward Increased in New Orleans Inmate Escape Manhunt
New Orleans Manhunt Continues for Seven Inmates Following Jail Break
Manhunt Continues for New Orleans Jail Escapees
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Louisiana Governor Orders Audit After Jail Escape
Additional Resources
- Fox 8 Live: Manhunt continues for Orleans jail escapees
- New York Times: New Orleans jail escape
- CNN: Inmates manhunt in New Orleans
- WWL-TV: New Orleans jail escape updates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: New Orleans
