After a five-month manhunt, the last inmate who escaped from a Louisiana jail has been apprehended. Derrick Groves, aged 28, was captured in Atlanta, Georgia, following a standoff with law enforcement.
Details of the Capture
Law enforcement officials from Louisiana State Police announced Groves’ capture on Wednesday. He was taken into custody after officers deployed gas canisters into a house where he was believed to be hiding. Eventually, authorities located him in a crawl space within the home.
Background of the Escape
The escape took place in May when Groves and nine other inmates broke out of the Orleans Parish Justice Center. They managed to escape by removing a toilet from the wall, creating a hole, and then breaking the surrounding metal bars. This daring escape allowed them to slip through a concealed gap and flee across a highway.
- The inmates left cryptic messages on the wall, including playful notes like “To Easy LoL” and a message challenging officers to catch them.
- Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson attributed the escape to staffing shortages and flaws in the building’s design.
Progress of the Manhunt
Out of the ten escaped inmates, three were recaptured within 24 hours. Others were caught in the following weeks. Derrick Groves evaded capture until a tip-off led authorities to track him down in Atlanta.
Criminal Background of Derrick Groves
Groves was previously convicted of second-degree murder in October 2024. He used an assault rifle during a Mardi Gras block party shooting, resulting in two fatalities. His criminal record includes charges of attempted murder and violating federal firearms laws, leading to a life sentence.
Consequences of the Escape
Now that he has been apprehended, Groves faces additional charges relating to the jailbreak. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill stated her commitment to ensuring that he is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Groves is expected to be extradited back to Louisiana for processing.
