New Orleans Jailbreak: Antoine Massey Captured, Derrick Groves Still at Large

NEW ORLEANS, July 27, 2025 — After a dramatic six-week manhunt, U.S. Marshals apprehended Antoine Massey, 32, in the Hollygrove neighborhood of New Orleans on June 27, 2025, marking a significant breakthrough in the pursuit of escapees from the May 16 Orleans Justice Center jailbreak. Massey, one of the last two fugitives from the largest jailbreak in recent New Orleans history, was captured peacefully at a residence in the 9400 block of Stroelitz Street, following a tip from CrimeStoppers GNO. However, Derrick Groves, 27, a convicted double murderer, remains at large, intensifying law enforcement efforts to bring him back into custody.

The escape, which saw ten inmates exploit a security flaw by removing a toilet to access a maintenance tunnel and scale barbed wire fences, exposed significant vulnerabilities in the Orleans Justice Center. Massey, previously linked to orchestrating the breakout, had evaded capture despite a viral social media video earlier in June where he proclaimed his innocence and sought help from celebrities like Lil Wayne and Meek Mill. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill confirmed Massey’s arrest, stating, “He will now face additional charges for his role in the escape, and I’ll ensure that he will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.” Massey was airlifted to the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola, a maximum-security facility.

Groves, the sole remaining fugitive, is considered armed and dangerous. Convicted in a 2018 double homicide, Groves is the grandson of Kim Groves, whose 1994 murder by a corrupt NOPD officer sparked national outrage. The manhunt for Groves has expanded beyond Louisiana, with authorities warning that he may have fled to neighboring states. A $50,000 reward per inmate, announced by CrimeStoppers GNO, remains active for information leading to his capture. “They can keep running, but they can’t hide forever,” Murrill told CBS News in May, emphasizing the multi-agency effort involving the FBI, Louisiana State Police, and local law enforcement.

The jailbreak has drawn sharp criticism of Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson’s leadership, with officials citing infrastructure failures and communication gaps among agencies. Alleged accomplices, including Groves’ girlfriend, Darriana Burton, a former jail employee, have faced arrests for aiding the escapees. Burton was charged with conspiracy to commit simple escape and is being held on a $2.5 million bond. As the search for Groves continues, authorities urge the public to provide tips to CrimeStoppers or the FBI. The case remains a stark reminder of the challenges facing New Orleans’ criminal justice system.