Final New Orleans Escapee Captured After 5-Month Atlanta Standoff
Derrick Groves, a convicted murderer, has been captured after a five-month manhunt that began with his escape from a New Orleans jail. This incident raised serious concerns about public safety and custodial security.
Background of the Escape
On May 16, Groves, along with nine other inmates, broke free from the Orleans Justice Center. They executed a carefully planned jailbreak while the facility was on lockdown. At the time, a corrections monitoring technician had briefly left their post, allowing the inmates to tamper with their cell door.
- The escape took place shortly after midnight.
- Inmates used electric hair trimmers to cut through the cell walls.
- They concealed the escape route by replacing the toilet.
Details of the Capture
Groves was apprehended at a residence in Atlanta after a standoff involving local police and U.S. Marshals. A tip to Crimestoppers led authorities to his location in Southwest Atlanta. The operation involved multiple uses of gas by the Atlanta Police Department’s SWAT team, and Groves was eventually found hiding in a crawl space.
Deputy U.S. Marshal Brian Fair detailed that the search lasted nearly three hours before Groves was arrested. Following the apprehension, Fair expressed relief, stating, “We’re just very pleased this one is over.”
Legal Consequences
Groves, age 28, has a criminal history including two counts of second-degree murder stemming from a 2018 shooting during Mardi Gras. He was found guilty of opening fire with an AK-47-style assault rifle, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. This conviction carries significant penalties, including a potential life sentence.
New Orleans District Attorney Jason Williams commented on the escape, calling it “a serious breach of public safety.” He emphasized the emotional toll on victims and their families and assured that Groves would face all necessary legal repercussions following his capture.
Multi-Agency Collaboration
The successful apprehension of Groves was made possible by a collaborative effort among multiple law enforcement agencies, including:
- Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office
- New Orleans Police Department
- Louisiana State Police
- Homeland Security Investigations
- FBI New Orleans
Looking Ahead
With Groves back in custody, authorities are now focused on ensuring he faces justice for both his prior crimes and his role in the escape. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill stated that she would pursue charges related to his escape, vowing to prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law.
This capture marks the end of a tense chapter for New Orleans, allowing the community to feel a sense of safety once more.
