Final Escapee from New Orleans Jail Captured After 5 Months
UPDATE: The hunt for the last escapee from a notorious New Orleans jailbreak has ended. Derrick Groves, the final fugitive among ten inmates who broke free in May, was apprehended on October 25, 2023, in a crawl space of a home in Atlanta after five months on the run.
Authorities confirmed Groves was captured following a multi-agency operation that traced him to a specific residence through extensive investigative efforts. The Louisiana State Police and U.S. Marshals executed warrants at the location, resulting in a brief standoff before Groves was taken into custody. Video footage released by the Atlanta Police Department shows Groves blowing a kiss to the camera as he was transported to a police cruiser.
The escape, which occurred on May 16, 2023, saw inmates breaking out of the Orleans Parish Justice Center by climbing through a hole behind a toilet, scaling a fence, and crossing an interstate. They left behind graffiti messages, including “Too easy LoL,” that taunted authorities. Groves, a 28-year-old convicted murderer, had eluded capture for months, despite a comprehensive manhunt that included multiple arrests of accomplices.
Groves was serving a life sentence for two counts of murder stemming from a 2018 Mardi Gras double shooting when he escaped. He is now facing additional charges, including simple escape, and may see those charges escalated to aggravated escape due to materials discovered at the Atlanta residence, which included weapons and drugs. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill stated, “He’s got a lot of trouble and a lot of things to answer to,” emphasizing the severity of the situation for victims and witnesses involved in his original crimes.
In a statement celebrating Groves’ capture, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry remarked, “You picked the wrong State,” acknowledging the collaborative efforts of law enforcement at all levels. Groves will face extradition hearings, with options to waive extradition or contest it, as he is expected to be returned to Louisiana to face new charges.
Authorities continue to investigate the jailbreak’s broader implications, with more than a dozen arrests linked to individuals who allegedly aided the escapees. Among those arrested was Groves’ girlfriend, Darriana Burton, who faces a felony charge for conspiracy to commit escape. Her bond was set at $2.5 million after it was revealed she allegedly coordinated communications that facilitated the jailbreak.
As the dust settles from this high-profile case, Louisiana officials are grappling with systemic failures that allowed such a mass escape to occur. Governor Landry has called for multiple investigations into the state’s criminal justice system, citing a lack of resources and staffing as contributing factors. The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office has also acknowledged its role, with Sheriff Susan Hutson citing the need for urgent safety upgrades.
With Groves now behind bars, authorities are reassessing security protocols to prevent future incidents. The emotional toll on victims, witnesses, and the community remains palpable, as highlighted by Attorney General Murrill’s comments about the unsettling nature of having a convicted murderer at large.
As investigations continue, all eyes will be on the legal proceedings that lie ahead for Groves and his accomplices. This developing story underscores the urgent need for reforms in Louisiana’s justice system. Stay tuned for updates as this situation unfolds.
