New Orleans Jail Escapee Apprehended After Intense 5-Month Manhunt
Escaped Louisiana Inmate Captured in Atlanta After Five-Month Manhunt
Derrick Groves Recaptured: A Coordinated Multi-Agency Effort
The last remaining escaped inmate from a daring May jailbreak in New Orleans has been captured in Atlanta, according to a statement from the U.S. Marshals on Wednesday. Derrick Groves, 28, who had been on the run for nearly five months, was taken into custody following a coordinated effort that involved multiple law enforcement agencies.
Sgt. Kate Stegall of the Louisiana State Police confirmed Groves’ arrest after what was described as a “brief standoff.” The extensive search effort included the collaboration of the U.S. Marshals Service, the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and local police from both Louisiana and Georgia.
Details Emerge on Groves’ Criminal Background and Capture
Groves, convicted on two charges of second-degree murder and two charges of attempted second-degree murder, was facing a possible life sentence prior to his escape from Orleans Parish Prison on May 16, 2025. A US$50,000 reward was offered for his capture due to his violent criminal history.
“He was hiding in a crawl space,” stated Deputy U.S. Marshal Brian Fair. “It seems he was the only one in the house and was hidden quite well.” His capture was executed by the U.S. Marshals Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force in conjunction with the Atlanta Police Department SWAT team.
Earlier, the other nine escapees had been recaptured within six weeks of the jailbreak, most still in Louisiana.
Breakdown of the New Orleans Jailbreak
The jailbreak from the Orleans Parish jail, which houses 1,400 inmates, occurred while a single guard went to get food. The inmates managed to escape after cutting through a steel bar protecting plumbing fixtures, according to the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office. They left a taunting message, “To Easy LoL,” on the cell wall near the escape route.
- Prisoners broke through a hole behind a toilet.
- They scaled a barbed wire fence and fled into the night after changing clothes.
The absence of these inmates was not noted until a morning headcount, a full seven hours post-escape. The escapees, aged 19 to 42, were mostly involved in violent crimes such as murder.
Investigation into Potential Inside Assistance
There is ongoing suspicion that the escape was facilitated by inside assistance. A maintenance worker, Sterling Williams, was arrested for allegedly aiding the escape by turning off the water to a toilet, which allowed the inmates to break free. According to authorities, Williams could have reported the threat and plan but instead complied with the inmates’ request.
- Authorities claim an orchestrated escape plan was in place.
- Williams’ lawyer argues he was coerced under threat.
Legal Proceedings and Future Implications
The nine other men accused of escaping pleaded not guilty to new escape charges in July, while appearing via video call from the Louisiana State Penitentiary. Each escape charge carries an additional potential prison sentence of two to five years, adding to their previous criminal sentences.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill expressed determination in holding all escapees accountable, citing visual evidence of the jailbreak captured on security footage. The charges of simple escape add further complexity to the inmates’ existing legal challenges.
The capture of Derrick Groves brings the high-profile case closer to resolution, with law enforcement agencies emphasizing their commitment to maintaining public safety and justice.
