ATLANTA (AP) — The extensive search for Derrick Groves, the last remaining escapee from a notable May jailbreak in Louisiana, concluded on Wednesday when authorities located him hiding in a crawl space beneath a house in Atlanta. This development marked the recapture of all ten inmates who had escaped from a New Orleans jail through a hole behind a toilet.
Derrick Groves, aged 28, was previously convicted of murder and was facing a potential life sentence when he and nine others orchestrated their escape by forcing a faulty cell door, crawling through the aforementioned hole, scaling a barbed-wire fence, and disappearing into the night. His violent criminal background led authorities to offer a $50,000 reward for information leading to his capture.
After securing a warrant, a SWAT team conducted a prolonged search of the residence for Groves, with Deputy U.S. Marshal Brian Fair revealing that they had to deploy gas multiple times into the house and basement during the operation. Fair noted that the duration of the search indicated Groves had strategically planned to hide for an extended period. Ultimately, a police dog located him, and footage showed Groves, shirtless and shackled, blowing a kiss and smiling at the camera as he was escorted to a police vehicle.
In a social media post, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry praised law enforcement for apprehending all ten escapees, stating they were now “back where they belong: BEHIND BARS.” The tip leading to Groves' arrest originated from New Orleans Crimestoppers, and authorities indicated that several individuals assisting Groves could face charges for aiding and abetting.
The situation escalated as police discovered a pistol and 15 pounds (6.8 kg) of marijuana inside the home where Groves was found. Groves’ attorney, Peter Freiberg, has not yet communicated with his client and has refrained from commenting on the case.
In the aftermath of the jailbreak, nine of the ten inmates were recaptured within six weeks, primarily within the Orleans Parish area. Groves's mother expressed her distress upon learning about her son's capture, indicating that she had encouraged him to surrender peacefully and was uncertain why he traveled to Atlanta. She revealed that law enforcement had been monitoring their family since the breakout.
Previously, Groves was convicted of second-degree murder in 2024 for a shooting incident during a Mardi Gras block party that resulted in two fatalities and numerous injuries. He is now facing life imprisonment without parole. Notably, the jailbreak is recognized as one of the largest in recent U.S. history, with investigators discovering an arrow drawn toward the escape hole and a mocking message left inside the cell.
Officials investigated the circumstances surrounding the escape, attributing it to ineffective cell locks and inadequate supervision at the jail. A maintenance worker has been arrested for allegedly aiding the escape by tampering with the toilet, although he maintains he was unaware of any escape plans. Authorities suspect that Groves’ girlfriend may have also played a role in coordinating the jailbreak.
The search for the fugitives involved hundreds of officers utilizing phone records and numerous tips. Thus far, at least 16 individuals, including friends and relatives of the escapees, have faced felony charges for providing assistance before or after the jailbreak, including food and shelter. In one instance, an escapee was recaptured in Baton Rouge, while two others were caught following a high-speed car chase in Texas.
Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson has faced significant backlash regarding her management of the jail and the circumstances surrounding the escape. This incident has led to heightened scrutiny and calls for accountability amongst law enforcement officials.
All escapees have been charged with simple escape, which carries a penalty of two to five years in prison, in addition to their original charges. Groves was booked into the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta as a fugitive from justice.
