Derrick Groves Captured After 5-Month Manhunt
Last Fugitive from Historic Orleans Parish Jailbreak Found Hiding in Atlanta Crawl Space
NEW ORLEANSA five-month manhunt came to a dramatic end on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, when law enforcement authorities captured Derrick Groves, 28, at a residence in southwest Atlanta, where he was found hiding in a crawl space beneath the home.
Groves was the last remaining fugitive from a group of 10 inmates who escaped from the Orleans Parish Justice Center on May 16, 2025, in what became one of the largest and most audacious jailbreaks in Louisiana history.
The Historic Escape: How 10 Inmates Broke Free
A Brazen Jailbreak with a Mocking Message
The escape occurred in the early morning hours of May 16, 2025, when the group of inmates:
- Squeezed through a hole they had created behind a toilet in their cell
- Scaled a barbed-wire fence surrounding the facility
- Disappeared into the night
The Taunting Message
What made this escape particularly shocking was what investigators discovered afterward. On the cell wall, authorities found a crude hand-drawn arrow pointing toward the escape route and a handwritten message that read: “Too Easy LOL”
This taunting note became a symbol of the security failures that allowed the escape to happen.
Who is Derrick Groves? A Life Marked by Violence
Serving Life for a Deadly Mardi Gras Shooting
Derrick Groves was not just any inmate—he was serving a life sentence without parole for second-degree murder, making him one of the most dangerous fugitives on the run.
The Crime That Led to His Life Sentence:
- Year: 2024
- Incident: Groves opened fire during a Mardi Gras block party
- Victims: 2 people killed, several others wounded
- Conviction: Second-degree murder
- Sentence: Life in prison without the possibility of parole
Additional Convictions:
- Two counts of manslaughter in a separate case
- A documented history of violent criminal behavior
The Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office didn’t mince words when describing Groves, calling him a “cold-blooded killer” with an extensive record of violent offenses.
District Attorney Jason Williams stated that prosecutors would “pursue every available legal avenue” against Groves and others involved in facilitating the jailbreak.
The 5-Month Manhunt: A Multi-State Search Operation
A Network of Accomplices
Federal investigators uncovered that Groves didn’t survive five months on the run alone. He received significant help from multiple individuals, leading to a sprawling criminal conspiracy.
Key Accomplices:
1. Darriana Burton (Girlfriend)
- Arrested and charged with aiding the escape
- Bond set at $2.5 million
- Allegedly provided money, food, and shelter
- Faces federal charges for harboring a fugitive
2. Former Jail Employee
- Arrested for allegedly assisting in the escape planning
- Suspected of providing inside information about security weaknesses
3. Maintenance Worker
- Charged with deliberately shutting off water to the cell toilet during the escape
- This action made it easier for inmates to access the wall behind the fixture
The Full Conspiracy: In total, 16 people have been charged with assisting the fugitives either before or after their escape, providing:
- Cash payments
- Food and supplies
- Transportation across state lines
- Safe houses and hiding places
The Atlanta Capture: A Tense Standoff
October 8, 2025: The Final Chapter
Location: Honeysuckle Lane, Southwest Atlanta, Georgia
The Operation: Deputy U.S. Marshal Brian Fair described the capture as a prolonged and difficult operation:
- Initial Surveillance: Authorities surrounded the residence after receiving a tip
- Extended Search: The operation lasted several hours
- Gas Deployment: Law enforcement deployed gas into the house and basement multiple times
- SWAT Involvement: A highly trained SWAT team was required to extract Groves
- Discovery: Groves was finally found hiding in a basement crawl space
- Condition: He was shirtless, shoeless, and appeared to have been prepared for a long period of hiding
Deputy Marshal Fair emphasized: “They couldn’t find him. They had to deploy gas multiple times into the house and basement. Based on how long it took a seasoned, well-trained SWAT team to get him out, he had clearly planned to hide for a while.”
The Viral Video: Groves’ Defiant Moment
Video footage released by Atlanta Police showed a shocking scene:
- Groves being led to a patrol car, shirtless and shoeless
- Shackled at both wrists and ankles
- Blowing a kiss to the camera
- Grinning widely as officers escorted him
The defiant display went viral on social media, sparking public outrage and renewed debate about criminal justice and public safety.
The Human Side: A Mother’s Anguish
Stephanie Groves Speaks Out
Stephanie Groves, Derrick’s mother, spoke to media outlets before and after his capture, revealing the emotional toll on the family:
Before the Capture:
- She publicly urged her son to surrender peacefully
- “I’m all messed up, I’m just trying to talk to him”
- Expressed fears about him being hurt during apprehension
After the Capture:
- “I’m just glad it’s over with. Of course, he was going to get caught”
- Acknowledged the inevitability of his recapture
- Expressed relief that the ordeal ended without violence
Her statements highlighted the complex emotions families of criminals face—torn between love for their family member and recognition of their crimes.
What Happens Next: Legal Proceedings Ahead
Current Status in Atlanta
Fulton County Jail, Atlanta:
- Groves is being held as a fugitive from justice
- Awaiting extradition hearings
- No bond has been set
The Road Back to Louisiana
Extradition Process: Legal analyst Joe Raspanti explained what Groves faces:
“He can fight extradition, which is usually not successful. I expect he’ll be back in New Orleans within weeks.”
Challenges:
- Groves has the right to contest extradition
- Such challenges rarely succeed
- Expected timeline: 2-4 weeks for return to Louisiana
New Charges Awaiting
The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office confirmed Groves will face additional serious charges:
- Escape from a correctional facility (felony)
- Conspiracy to escape
- Potential federal charges for crossing state lines while fleeing
- Possible additional murder charges if new evidence emerges
The Other Nine Inmates: All Recaptured
Swift Captures Within Six Weeks
The nine other escapees were all captured within six weeks of the initial jailbreak:
- Most were found in Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi
- Several were caught after family members turned them in
- Others were captured during routine traffic stops
- All have pleaded not guilty to escape charges
Current Status: All nine are back in Orleans Parish custody, awaiting trial on escape charges and facing additional penalties on top of their original sentences.
Political Response: Officials Declare Victory
Governor Jeff Landry’s Statement
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry posted on X: “All 10 escapees are back where they belong: BEHIND BARS. Great work by law enforcement at all levels.”
Attorney General Praises Operation
Attorney General Liz Murrill released a statement praising:
- The persistence of law enforcement
- Cooperation between local, state, and federal agencies
- Promised continued prosecution of all involved parties
Timeline of Events: A Complete Chronology
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 16, 2025 | 10 inmates escape from Orleans Parish Justice Center |
| May 16-22, 2025 | Initial search focuses on New Orleans area |
| May 23-June 30, 2025 | 9 inmates recaptured in various locations |
| Early June 2025 | Darriana Burton (girlfriend) arrested |
| July 2025 | Maintenance worker arrested for assisting escape |
| July-October 2025 | Intensive manhunt for Groves continues |
| October 8, 2025 | Derrick Groves captured in Atlanta |
| October 9, 2025 | Groves arraigned in Fulton County Court |
Security Failures: How Did This Happen?
The investigation revealed multiple security failures at Orleans Parish Justice Center:
Physical Security Issues:
- Aging Infrastructure: Walls and fixtures in poor condition
- Inadequate Inspections: Failure to detect the growing hole behind the toilet
- Outdated Surveillance: Security cameras had blind spots
- Insufficient Fencing: Barbed wire was not enough of a deterrent
Staff-Related Issues:
- Possible Negligence: Questions about whether guards were properly monitoring
- Insider Assistance: Maintenance worker allegedly helped
- Training Deficiencies: Staff may not have been adequately trained
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion: Lessons from a Dramatic Manhunt
The capture of Derrick Groves marks the end of one of Louisiana’s most extensive and dramatic manhunts in recent history. This case reveals several important truths:
For Law Enforcement:
- Multi-agency cooperation is essential for complex cases
- Persistence and resources eventually lead to results
- Modern technology and old-fashioned detective work both matter
- Public tips remain one of the most valuable tools
For the Criminal Justice System:
- Aging infrastructure in correctional facilities poses serious risks
- Staff negligence can have catastrophic consequences
- Budget constraints cannot justify compromised public safety
- Background checks and monitoring of support staff are critical
As Groves faces extradition back to Louisiana and additional charges, his case will serve as a cautionary tale about the importance of prison security and the relentless pursuit of justice.
Official Sources & References
This article is based on official statements and reports from:
- WAFB News – Escaped Louisiana inmate captured in Atlanta
- Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office
- U.S. Marshals Service
- Atlanta Police Department
- Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office
- Louisiana State Police
- FBI Field Offices
