Derrick Groves captured ending a five-month manhunt for final New Orleans jail escapee
Catch of a Fugitive: New Orleans Jail Escapee Captured in Atlanta
Atlanta Standoff Ends in Arrest of New Orleans Jail Escapee
The last member of a group of New Orleans jail escapees was apprehended in a dramatic standoff with authorities in Atlanta. Derrick Groves, who fled earlier this year, was successfully captured, according to the Louisiana State Police (LSP).
A coordinated effort involving several law enforcement agencies, including Crimestoppers Greater New Orleans, the U.S. Marshals Service, the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Louisiana State Police, the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Atlanta Police Department, led to Groves’ arrest. The 28-year-old fugitive was finally taken into custody on October 8, 2025.
Details of the Jail Break and Groves’ Criminal Background
Groves and nine other inmates escaped from the Orleans Parish Justice Center on May 16. Groves, a four-time convicted killer, was serving a life sentence for second-degree murder after a 2024 conviction for a deadly shooting at a Mardi Gras block party. This incident resulted in two deaths and multiple injuries.
Concerns were high due to Groves’ history of violence. Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams expressed relief that Groves was captured without casualties, stating, “I was afraid that there would be loss of life, whether it be civilian or law enforcement.”
Investigation into Potential Assistance and Jail Staffing Issues
An investigation is underway to determine if Groves received outside assistance during his time on the run. Currently, details on how Groves reached Atlanta remain undisclosed. Authorities previously arrested several relatives and jail staffers on suspicion of aiding the escapees.
The Orleans Justice Center is operating at only 60% staffing, which contributed to the escape situation. At the time, four supervisors and 36 staff members were monitoring 1,400 inmates.
Involvement of Former Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office Employee
A key figure in this escape saga is 28-year-old Darriana Burton, suspected to be Groves’ girlfriend. Burton, a former Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office employee, was arrested on charges of assisting in Groves’ escape. Allegations include coordinating contact between Groves and external individuals, crucial to the escape plan.
As the saga unfolds, the re-capture of Derrick Groves marks a significant development in the pursuit of justice and highlights ongoing challenges in the prison system.
