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Louisiana Attorney General Expresses Confidence in Recapturing Jailbreak Fugitives Following 14 Arrests
Authorities in New Orleans have made significant progress in their efforts to recapture fugitives involved in a mass jailbreak that occurred on May 16. A total of 14 individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident, which resulted in eight of the ten inmates escaping from the Orleans Parish facility.
Among those still evading capture are Antoine T. Massey, a suspect in a domestic abuse case, and Derrick Groves, a four-time convicted killer. Both are considered armed and dangerous, heightening concerns for public safety.
In statements made to Fox News, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill expressed her confidence in law enforcement’s ability to apprehend these fugitives. She emphasized their methodical approach, stating, “I am absolutely confident that they will be recaptured. We will continue our efforts until they are back in custody.” Murrill also underscored the seriousness of the situation, describing both Massey and Groves as threats due to their violent backgrounds.
This week, authorities announced the arrests of Massey’s sister, Daishanae Massey, alongside two women, Lenika Vanburen and Diamond White. They face charges of assisting the inmates, who reportedly removed a toilet from its wall to create an escape route.
Arrests Linked to the Jailbreak
The re-arrested inmates include individuals such as Lenton Vanburen Jr., Leo Tate, Jermaine Donald, and several others. Collectively, they had been previously charged with various offenses, some of which involve violent crimes.
In addition to the eight inmates already in custody, eleven others face charges for aiding in the jailbreak. Those charged include Patricia Vanburen and Emmitt Weber, among others. Murrill noted the familial connections present in these cases, saying, “I think they were sympathetic. Some of them are relatives of the escapees, reaching out for support. We will prosecute anyone found assisting them.”
Derrick Groves’ Criminal History
Last October, Groves received a conviction for two counts of second-degree murder related to homicides committed during Mardi Gras in 2024. Following that, he pled guilty to two additional manslaughter charges. At the time of his escape from the Orleans Justice Center, Groves was awaiting sentencing for those convictions.
Groves’ aunt has implored him to turn himself into authorities. Jasmine Groves expressed her concerns for his safety, sharing, “I’m praying to the Lord that he is protected, and I pray that they don’t try to kill him.” Her plea underscores the urgent need for law enforcement to recapture the fugitive.
Safety Concerns and Staffing Issues
The search for Massey and Groves adds more pressure to an already strained justice system. The Orleans Parish facility at the time of the jailbreak faced staffing shortages, as it operated with only 60% of its required personnel. This lack of staff included only four supervisors and 36 employees managing around 1,400 inmates.
Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson has publicly addressed the need for significant investments to upgrade the facility’s plumbing system, particularly ahead of the hurricane season. She indicated the structural problems expose deeper infrastructural issues, stating, “These recurring plumbing issues highlight a much deeper infrastructure crisis at OJC, rooted in years of deferred maintenance, chronic overcrowding, and a lack of meaningful investment.”
Impact on Public Safety
Authorities intend to ensure that safety and humane conditions are upheld for both inmates and staff. Hutson acknowledged the serious implications of having an understaffed facility, saying, “This is not just a facilities problem. It’s a public safety issue, a staffing issue, and most of all, a human dignity issue.”
Furthermore, Sheriff Hutson temporarily suspended her re-election campaign following the jailbreak to focus on rectifying these pressing issues. She stated, “I take full accountability for the breach that occurred under my leadership. I am grateful to the community, our law enforcement partners, and city and state leaders for helping us to secure the Orleans Justice Center and capture the remaining escapees.”
Community Involvement in the Search
New Orleans authorities continue to urge the community to remain vigilant. The FBI is offering a reward of $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of the escapees. Crime Stoppers has committed to a reward of $2,000 for each fugitive apprehended. A dedicated violent offender warrant squad, in collaboration with local and federal authorities including the FBI and U.S. Marshals, is actively searching for the escapees.
Murrill’s statement on the possibility that Groves and Massey might have crossed state lines reflects the urgency of their capture. With over 200 law enforcement officers involved in the search, officials emphasize that every effort will be made to bring the fugitives back into custody.
A Path Forward
As law enforcement continues their search, the situation reveals significant vulnerabilities within the Orleans Parish justice system. The ongoing challenges highlight the need for systemic reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Collaboration among different branches of government and the community will be essential to improve security measures and ensure that inmates receive humane treatment. Concerns about public safety, infrastructure, and inmate care must be prioritized moving forward to foster a more secure environment for all involved.
