Prisoners Recaptured After Orleans Parish Jail Break

Categories: Breaking NewsCrimeGovernment NewsNews

Authorities mobilizing for the search of escaped inmates.

News Summary

Two inmates, Leo Tate and Jermaine Donald, have been recaptured following their escape from the Orleans Parish Justice Center. Their arrest in Texas followed a multi-state manhunt. While they return to custody, authorities are still searching for two additional escapees, Antoine Massey and Derrick Groves, who are alleged to be the ringleaders. The jail’s conditions and the manhunt’s costs are raising concerns among local officials. The situation continues to evolve as the community is urged to report any sightings.

New Orleans – Two prisoners who escaped from the Orleans Parish Justice Center have been recaptured after a multi-state manhunt that began several weeks ago. Leo Tate, 31, and Jermaine Donald, 42, were apprehended in Texas and extradited back to Louisiana on May 30, 2025. As of now, the search continues for two other inmates, Antoine Massey and Derrick Groves, who remain at large.

The escape incident, which occurred on May 16, 2025, involved a total of ten inmates breaking out of the facility. So far, eight of those escapees have been recaptured, including Lenton Vanburen Jr., Leo Tate Sr., Corey Boyd, Kendell Myles, Robert Moody, Dkenan Dennis, and Gary Price. Derrick Groves and Antoine Massey have been identified as the alleged ringleaders of the jailbreak.

Authorities have mobilized over 200 law enforcement personnel from various state agencies to help with the ongoing manhunt for Groves and Massey. The city government of New Orleans has projected spending close to $500,000 on the search efforts, which primarily cover overtime pay for police and sheriff’s offices. However, experts suggest that the actual expenses could escalate, potentially reaching up to eight or nine times the current estimates, especially due to involvement from state and federal agencies.

Regarding their criminal backgrounds, Tate was previously sentenced to ten years in prison after being charged with obstruction of justice related to a double shooting in 2018. Donald faces charges of second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a felon, with a plea of not guilty entered in December 2023.

Tensions have surfaced between New Orleans Sheriff Susan Hutson and Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams amid the investigation. Sheriff Hutson has accused Williams of displaying political bias, while Williams has recommended that the Attorney General’s office lead the inquiry due to concerns about conflicts of interest.

Investigations into the conditions at the Orleans Parish jail have uncovered significant issues, including unattended tiers and malfunctioning cell locks. Videos have emerged of Massey asserting his innocence on social media and alleging mistreatment while incarcerated. Furthermore, Massey has a history of evading custody, which includes a prior escape from a juvenile detention center and tampering with electronic monitoring devices.

As part of the ongoing search operation, law enforcement agencies are utilizing various resources, including dogs and drones, to locate the remaining fugitives. The reward for information leading to the captures of Massey and Groves has surged to $50,000 each. Additionally, over a dozen individuals have been arrested for allegedly assisting the escapees.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill issued a warning indicating that any individuals aiding the fugitives will be prosecuted. Law enforcement remains in close collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies to enhance the effectiveness of their search efforts.

As the situation continues to develop, authorities are urging the community to report any sightings or information related to Massey and Groves. Public safety remains a top priority as the manhunt intensifies.