Convicted murderer Derrick Groves remains at large after nine fellow inmates who escaped from the Orleans Justice Center have been recaptured, leaving authorities racing to locate the final fugitive who has now evaded capture for six weeks.
Key Takeaways
- Antoine Massey became the ninth captured inmate after being peacefully apprehended at a residence in New Orleans following six weeks on the run.
- Convicted murderer Derrick Groves remains the only escapee still at large, with a $50,000 reward offered for information leading to his capture.
- The May 16 jailbreak involved inmates tearing a toilet from a wall, creating a hole, and scaling a fence, with the escape going undetected for over seven hours.
- The escape has triggered a sweeping investigation resulting in at least 16 arrests, including a jail maintenance worker suspected of assisting.
- Authorities believe the fugitives received outside help, highlighting severe security failures at the Orleans Justice Center.
Nine Down, One Dangerous Fugitive Still at Large
Antoine Massey, 33, was captured after spending six weeks evading authorities following the brazen May 16 escape from the Orleans Justice Center. His arrest leaves only one inmate, Derrick Groves, still on the run. Groves, who was serving time for second-degree murder and attempted murder convictions, presents a significant public safety threat. Law enforcement has established a substantial reward of $50,000 for information leading to his capture, underscoring the urgency of apprehending this dangerous criminal who has now been free for over 40 days despite an intensive multi-agency manhunt.
Massey, who faced charges of domestic abuse battery, motor vehicle theft, and parole violation before his escape, was taken into custody following a tip received by law enforcement. The arrest was executed without incident, and Massey was promptly airlifted to a state correctional facility outside New Orleans. He now faces additional charges related to his escape and extended time as a fugitive. Authorities are investigating whether he received assistance during his time on the run, which appears likely given the length of time he managed to evade capture.
BREAKING: Jail escapee Antoine Massey was recaptured Friday (June 27) in New Orleans, the US Marshals Service announced. Only Derrick Groves remains among the 10 fugitives who escaped on May 16 from the Orleans Justice Center jail. https://t.co/KTqK5lldUC pic.twitter.com/XoOf5eCDFH
— FOX 8 New Orleans (@FOX8NOLA) June 27, 2025
Audacious Escape Exposed Critical Security Failures
The jailbreak that occurred on May 16 revealed alarming security deficiencies at the Orleans Justice Center. The ten inmates executed their escape by first opening a malfunctioning cell door, then removing a toilet from the wall to create an access point. They proceeded to crawl through the opening and scale a perimeter fence to freedom. Most disturbing is that the escape went completely undetected for over seven hours, only being discovered during a routine morning headcount. This catastrophic security lapse has raised serious questions about the management and oversight of the facility.
“Deputy U.S. Marshal Brian Fair told CNN that Mr. Massey was taken in a “peaceful” manner without further incident.” – Deputy U.S. Marshal Brian Fair.
Adding insult to injury, the escapees left behind graffiti at the scene, reading “Too easy LOL,” which mockingly highlighted the facility’s inadequate security measures. The incident has prompted a comprehensive investigation into how such a significant breach could occur. Thus far, the investigation has resulted in at least 16 arrests, including a jail maintenance worker suspected of aiding the inmates either before or after their escape. This suggests the possibility of inside help, further compounding the security concerns at the facility.
New Orleans Jail escapee Antoine Massey recaptured in Hollygrove neighborhood. Massey is the ninth escapee to be recaptured since the high-profile jailbreak at Orleans Justice Center (OJC).. Only Derrick Groves now remains at large.https://t.co/ki7Meobh2j
— News Channel3 Now (@newschannel3now) June 27, 2025
Coordinated Manhunt Continues for Final Fugitive
A coordinated operation involving local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies led to Massey’s capture, demonstrating the substantial resources being directed toward apprehending all escapees. Officials believe Massey received assistance during his time as a fugitive, which may also be helping Groves remain at large. Louisiana State Police Superintendent Robert Hodges addressed this likelihood in statements following Massey’s arrest, indicating that investigators are working to identify those who provided aid to the escapees.
“It’s pretty obvious over the last six weeks, to remain a fugitive that long, he had assistance, he had help. Whether or not it was someone helped him with the Airbnb, we would have to think ‘yes,’ but who (it was) and all those things will be determined later,” LSP Superintendent Robert Hodges said, according to New Orleans’ Times-Picayune. – LSP Superintendent Robert Hodges.
New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick has publicly urged Groves to surrender peacefully, though there is no indication he intends to comply. With nine of the ten escapees now back in custody, law enforcement can concentrate its full efforts on locating and apprehending Groves. The public remains on alert, and authorities continue to request that anyone with information regarding Groves’ whereabouts contact law enforcement immediately. The $50,000 reward for information leading to his capture remains in effect as the manhunt intensifies.
