Last Escaped Inmate from Louisiana Jail Break Captured After 5 Months on the Run
After an extensive five-month manhunt spanning multiple states, authorities have captured the final inmate who escaped from a Louisiana jail earlier this year. 28-year-old Derrick Groves, convicted of second-degree murder, was taken into custody in Atlanta, Georgia, following a tense stand-off, according to Louisiana State Police.
Officials confirmed that all 10 inmates who escaped the Orleans Parish Justice Center in May have now been apprehended. The dramatic jailbreak had drawn national attention due to its audacious execution and the troubling security lapses it revealed within the New Orleans correctional system.
A Daring Escape
Investigators say the inmates escaped by ripping a toilet from the wall, breaking through metal bars, and squeezing through a gap that led them into a service hallway. They then managed to run across a nearby highway undetected.
Photos released by the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office showed the cell’s damaged wall with graffiti scrawled above the hole. Among the taunting messages were “Too Easy LOL,” a smiley face with its tongue sticking out, and a note seemingly directed at authorities: “Catch us if you can.”
Sheriff Susan Hutson described the incident as the result of a “perfect storm” — a mix of chronic staffing shortages, outdated infrastructure, and design flaws that made the escape possible.
Manhunt and Capture
Three of the escapees were captured within the first 24 hours, while others were tracked down over the following weeks. Groves, the final fugitive, managed to evade capture until this week.
According to Deputy U.S. Marshal Brian Fair, a tip led investigators to a residence in Atlanta where Groves was believed to be hiding. When police arrived, the house appeared empty — until they deployed gas canisters inside. Officers then discovered Groves hiding in a crawl space in the basement that he had carefully modified to conceal himself.
“He had put some thought and work into the hiding space he was in,” Fair told CBS News.
A Violent Past
Groves’ criminal record made him one of the most dangerous fugitives in the escape. In October 2024, he was convicted of second-degree murder for firing an assault rifle into a Mardi Gras block party, killing two people and injuring several others. He was also found guilty of attempted murder and federal firearms violations and sentenced to life in prison.
Following his recapture, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced that Groves will face additional charges related to the jailbreak. “I will ensure that he is prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” she said.
Extradition and Aftermath
Groves is currently in Atlanta Police custody and will be extradited back to Louisiana for processing.
The Orleans Parish Justice Center remains under scrutiny as state officials continue investigating how ten inmates were able to escape so easily. Sheriff Hutson has pledged to implement structural improvements and review staffing protocols to prevent future incidents.
With Groves’ capture, authorities have officially closed one of the largest and most embarrassing jailbreaks in Louisiana’s recent history — a case that exposed deep vulnerabilities within the state’s correctional system and sparked nationwide debate over prison management and reform.
Have a look at our latest articles:
Dolly Parton’s Sister Calls for Prayers Amid Health Issues
Pooh Shiesty Released Early from Federal Prison: Charges and Net Worth
