Last New Orleans Escapee Apprehended After 5-Month Search and Atlanta Police Standoff
Derrick Groves, the final escapee among the ten prisoners who broke out of the Orleans Justice Center nearly five months ago, has been apprehended in Atlanta, according to the US Marshals. Groves, who escaped custody on May 16 along with nine other inmates, was captured after a standoff with Atlanta Police and US Marshals in Southwest Atlanta, Deputy US Marshal Brian Fair confirmed.
Escape and Capture: A Multi-Agency Effort
The successful capture of Groves was the result of a tip-off to Crimestoppers Greater New Orleans and extensive investigative efforts. Fair detailed that it took almost three hours to locate Groves, who was hiding in a crawl space within a residence. The Atlanta Police Department’s SWAT team had to deploy gas multiple times to apprehend him.
Groves’ Criminal Background
At the time of his escape, Groves was serving time for a double murder committed during Mardi Gras 2018. He was convicted of two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder, offenses that carry a life sentence. His violent actions during what should have been a festive occasion left lasting scars on the New Orleans community.
Impact of Groves’ Capture
New Orleans District Attorney Jason Williams emphasized the significance of Groves’ capture, highlighting how it brought much-needed relief to victims, their families, and the wider community. Williams urged that every legal measure would be pursued to ensure Groves faces justice for his actions.
The Escape: A Detailed Breakdown
The jailbreak occurred just after midnight on May 16 when a corrections technician in New Orleans left their post. During the lockdown, inmates tampered with the door of Cell Delta 1006 and used tools to cut through the cell walls. Before fleeing, they left a mocking message: “To Easy LoL.”
Collaboration Across Agencies
The capture was facilitated by a coordinated effort among multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, New Orleans Police Department, Louisiana State Police, Homeland Security Investigations, and the FBI New Orleans. Fair expressed satisfaction with the culmination of this extensive operation.
Legal Repercussions Ahead
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill declared that Groves will face charges for his role in the escape and vowed to prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law. His re-arrest marks a significant resolution for law enforcement and the community affected by his crimes.
