A convicted murderer remains at large after a daring prison break where inmates mocked authorities with “Too easy LOL” graffiti before disappearing into the night through a hole where a toilet once stood.
Key Takeaways
- Nine of ten inmates who escaped from Orleans Justice Center have been recaptured, with only convicted murderer Derrick Groves still at large.
- Antoine Massey was peacefully captured after six weeks on the run, with authorities suspecting he received outside assistance during his time as a fugitive.
- The May 16th jailbreak remained undetected for over seven hours and involved inmates exploiting faulty infrastructure, removing a toilet, and scaling a fence.
- A $50,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the capture of Derrick Groves, who was serving time for second-degree murder and attempted murder.
- The escape has prompted a sweeping investigation resulting in at least 16 arrests, including a jail maintenance worker.
Ninth Escapee Captured After Six-Week Manhunt
Antoine Massey, the ninth of ten inmates who escaped from the Orleans Justice Center, has been apprehended after evading capture for six weeks. The 33-year-old fugitive was captured peacefully at a residence in New Orleans following a coordinated operation involving local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Massey, who faced charges of domestic abuse battery, motor vehicle theft, and parole violation at the time of his escape, has been airlifted to a state correctional facility outside New Orleans and will face additional charges related to his unauthorized departure from custody.
Law enforcement officials believe Massey received substantial help during his time on the run. “It’s pretty obvious over the last six weeks, to remain a fugitive that long, he had assistance, he had help. Whether or not it was someone who helped him with the Airbnb, we would have to think ‘yes,’ but who (it was) and all those things will be determined later,” said LSP Superintendent Robert Hodges, according to New Orleans’ Times-Picayune. The tip that led to Massey’s capture came after an extensive manhunt that mobilized resources across multiple agencies, highlighting the determination of law enforcement to return all escapees to custody.
Audacious Escape Exposed Security Failures
The May 16th prison break revealed significant security vulnerabilities at the Orleans Justice Center. Ten inmates managed to open a malfunctioning cell door, tear a toilet off a wall, and create a hole large enough to crawl through before scaling a perimeter fence. Even more shocking was the revelation that the escape went undetected for over seven hours, only being discovered during the morning headcount. The brazen nature of the escape was further emphasized by graffiti left at the scene that mocked authorities with the message “Too easy LOL,” underscoring the inmates’ confidence in their plan.
“Deputy U.S. Marshal Brian Fair told CNN that Mr. Massey was taken in a ‘peaceful’ manner without further incident,” said Brian Fair, Deputy U.S. Marshal.
The fallout from the escape has been substantial, with a sweeping investigation resulting in at least 16 arrests, including a jail maintenance worker suspected of facilitating the escape. The incident has raised serious questions about the facility’s security protocols, infrastructure integrity, and staffing levels. President Trump’s administration has consistently emphasized the importance of maintaining secure correctional facilities and holding accountable those who fail to meet basic security standards, particularly when violent offenders are involved.
Final Fugitive Remains Dangerous and at Large
While authorities celebrate the capture of nine escapees, the most dangerous fugitive remains at large. Derrick Groves, who was serving time for second-degree murder and attempted murder convictions, has successfully evaded capture for over six weeks. “Law enforcement has issued urgent warnings about the threat Groves poses to public safety and established a substantial reward of $50,000 for information leading to his arrest,” said Anne Kirkpatrick, New Orleans Police Superintendent has publicly urged Groves to surrender peacefully, though there are no indications he plans to comply.
“To easy LOL” Graffiti left behind at the escape site.
The successful capture of Antoine Massey provides a blueprint for how authorities might apprehend Groves. Community involvement through tips has proven essential, and law enforcement agencies continue to urge citizens to report any sightings or information about Groves’ whereabouts. The ongoing manhunt serves as a stark reminder of the consequences when correctional facilities fail to maintain proper security measures, allowing violent criminals to escape back into our communities where they present a clear and present danger to law-abiding citizens.
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