Derrick Groves Captured After New Orleans Jailbreak
Derrick Groves, the final fugitive from the 2025 New Orleans jailbreak, has been captured in Atlanta, Georgia. Law enforcement confirmed that the 28-year-old inmate, who had been on the run for months, was located hiding beneath a residence near Tyler Perry Studios. The arrest was made through a coordinated operation involving the Atlanta Police SWAT and U.S. Marshals Service. Groves was taken into custody without resistance, marking the end of a nationwide manhunt that had drawn attention from multiple states.
The Orleans Parish Justice Center became the center of national scrutiny after ten inmates escaped from the facility in May 2025. According to officials, the prisoners managed to remove a toilet-sink fixture, creating an opening that led to a maintenance tunnel. The group used this route to exit the building and flee the premises. Investigations revealed that several security cameras were malfunctioning, and the jail was understaffed at the time of the incident, allowing the escape to go unnoticed for hours.
Authorities quickly launched a large-scale search operation, capturing nine of the fugitives within weeks. However, Derrick Groves remained missing, prompting involvement from the FBI and U.S. Marshals. His escape raised significant concerns about prison oversight and systemic failures in Louisiana’s correctional facilities. Officials classified him as armed and dangerous throughout the search.
Groves was serving a life sentence for his involvement in the 2018 Mardi Gras double homicide, a case that gained attention due to its retrial under Louisiana’s new unanimous jury rule. His conviction had previously sparked debate regarding sentencing fairness and the state’s evolving legal standards. The recent capture now restores focus on both his criminal background and the weaknesses exposed in Orleans Parish security protocols.
Law enforcement agencies have confirmed that Groves will face new charges, including simple escape, conspiracy, and obstruction of justice. He is being extradited back to Louisiana, where he will be placed under maximum-security supervision at the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola. Investigators are also examining whether Groves received assistance from within the facility, with internal audits underway to identify potential staff negligence or deliberate involvement.
The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, led by Susan Hutson, has faced widespread criticism following the jailbreak. Reports indicated that more than 30 surveillance cameras were inoperative during the incident. In response, Louisiana state legislators have initiated reforms focusing on improved inmate tracking systems, staff training, and technological upgrades to prevent similar breaches in the future.
The capture of Derrick Groves has brought relief to law enforcement agencies and the public, ending one of the most high-profile manhunts in recent Louisiana history. However, the event has also reignited discussions about prison safety, administrative accountability, and justice reform across the state. The case underscores the urgent need for modernized correctional management and continuous oversight within high-risk facilities.
Groves’s recapture serves as both a closure to a tense chapter in Louisiana’s criminal justice system and a reminder of the ongoing challenges in maintaining security integrity. Authorities have assured that comprehensive measures are being taken to restore public trust and strengthen security operations across all correctional centers.
FAQs
1. When was Derrick Groves captured?
Derrick Groves was captured on October 8, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia, after evading authorities for nearly five months.
2. What crimes was Derrick Groves convicted of?
He was convicted of a double homicide that occurred during the 2018 Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans.
3. How did the New Orleans jailbreak occur?
The inmates escaped by removing a toilet-sink fixture that revealed a maintenance tunnel, which allowed them to exit the Orleans Parish facility.
4. What new charges does Groves face?
Groves now faces additional charges of simple escape, conspiracy, and obstruction related to his flight from custody.
5. What actions are being taken after the escape?
State officials have begun implementing reforms, including updated surveillance systems and increased staffing to strengthen prison security.
