Final Fugitive of New Orleans Jailbreak Captured by Police
Capture of New Orleans Jailbreak Fugitive Brings Relief and Raises Questions on Security
Last Fugitive from New Orleans Jailbreak Apprehended in Atlanta
The final fugitive from the May jailbreak involving ten men from New Orleans has been captured, authorities confirm. Derrick Groves, a four-time convicted killer, was detained during a standoff at a house in southwest Atlanta. This capture comes as a significant relief to victims, their families, and the people of New Orleans, who were alarmed by his escape.
Derrick Groves’ Violent History and Notorious Escape
Groves, convicted in October 2024 for a double murder during Mardi Gras in 2018, was the most violent criminal among the escapees. An earlier conviction linked him to a 2017 double killing. His jailbreak highlighted the ongoing issues within New Orleans’ criminal justice system and raised questions about custodial security.
Inside the High-Stakes Capture
According to Brian Fair, Deputy U.S. Marshal, Groves was found hiding in a crawl space, alone in the home, despite attempts to gas the area. The efforts of local and federal law enforcement agencies have been crucial in tracking him down.
Background and Family Ties
Groves is the grandson of Kim Groves, a prominent figure in a notorious 1994 murder case in New Orleans involving police officer Len Davis. Davis, initially sentenced to death, had his sentence commuted to life imprisonment at the end of Joe Biden’s presidency.
The Unfolding and Implications of the Jailbreak
On May 16, Groves and nine other inmates escaped the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office custody, marking one of the largest jailbreaks in recent U.S. history. The group manipulated a defective cell door, penetrated behind a toilet, and scaled a barbed-wire fence to flee.
- Photos from the facility later revealed a wall with a window-sized hole, containing messages directed at the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office.
- By June 27, nine escapees had been recaptured, leaving Groves the only remaining fugitive until his capture in October.
Official Responses and Political Ramifications
New Orleans District Attorney Jason Williams has vowed to pursue all legal avenues to ensure Groves answers for his crimes. Susan Hutson, the Orleans Parish Sheriff, emphasized the relentless dedication of law enforcement in capturing Groves.
With Hutson facing re-election, this incident casts a spotlight on her handling of the jail system. A recent University of New Orleans poll shows her trailing behind Michelle Woodfork, one of five candidates in the upcoming election.
Coordinated Efforts Lead to Successful Capture
Law enforcement from multiple states worked tirelessly over nearly five months to locate Groves. The successful apprehension involved coordination between Atlanta police, Georgia’s Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the local fugitive apprehension team. Their efforts underscore a commitment to maintaining public safety amid substantial challenges.
