Antoine Massey Captured: New Orleans Jail Escapee Found

The search for the escapees from the Orleans Justice Center in New Orleans continues, with one more inmate now back in custody. On Friday, June 27, 2025, Antoine Massey was recaptured, bringing the total number of returned escapees to nine. The focus now shifts to locating Derrick Groves, the remaining inmate still at large.

Massey's capture occurred in the Hollygrove area, specifically in the 9400 block of Stroelitz Street. According to reports, he was found alone in a house and surrendered peacefully to law enforcement officers, who had surrounded the premises. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick confirmed this at a press conference, stating, “He peacefully gave up to law enforcement who surrounded the house.”

The U.S. Marshals Service and Louisiana State Police were involved in the recapture efforts. Walter Martin, chief deputy of the U.S. Marshals, emphasized that the search for Groves would persist until he is also apprehended.

Adding an intriguing layer to the story, Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson revealed that she received a phone call earlier that day, between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., which provided crucial information leading to Massey’s arrest. However, she refrained from disclosing further details about the call.

Crimestoppers CEO Darlene Cusanza noted that the organization has received over 1,200 tips since the jailbreak on May 16. A $50,000 reward remains available for information leading to Groves’ arrest, underscoring the urgency and resources dedicated to this ongoing search.

In the wake of Massey's capture, Sheriff Hutson urged Derrick Groves to turn himself in, echoing the sentiments of many officials involved in the case. The community remains on edge as the search continues, hoping for a swift and safe resolution.

Key Events Leading to Massey's Capture

• Social Media Activity: Prior to his capture, Antoine Massey had resurfaced on social media, posting on Instagram, declaring his innocence, and seeking assistance from prominent figures like President Donald Trump, Kim Kardashian, and various rappers.
• Legal Background: Massey faces serious charges in St. Tammany Parish, including rape and kidnapping allegations. He was initially jailed in Orleans Parish while awaiting trial for domestic abuse battery involving strangulation and theft of a motor vehicle.
• Escape History: Massey has a history of three prior escapes from custody, dating back to 2007, highlighting a pattern of evading law enforcement.
• AirBnB Connection: A woman claiming to own the property where Massey was found stated that she had no knowledge of him hiding there, claiming the residence was an AirBnB rental.

Community Reactions and Concerns

The news of Massey’s capture has been met with a mix of relief and continued anxiety among New Orleans residents. Many express concerns about the security of the Orleans Justice Center and the need for improved measures to prevent future escapes.

One Reddit user commented on the r/NewOrleans subreddit, stating:

"So glad they got him, but it's unsettling to think how easily these guys got out in the first place. Hope they fix whatever's broken."

Another user pointed out the ongoing reward and the resources being used:

"That 50k reward must be tempting for someone. Let's hope Groves is caught soon, this is costing the city a fortune."

The Ongoing Search for Derrick Groves

With Antoine Massey now in custody, the full weight of law enforcement efforts is directed toward finding Derrick Groves. Groves, described as a four-time killer, presents a significant threat to public safety. Police Superintendent Kirkpatrick made a direct appeal to Groves:

“Groves knows, we will capture you. But the opportunity is there to turn yourself in anytime. The public defender is ready to be there and be with you the moment you want to turn yourself in.”

Authorities urge anyone with information about Derrick Groves' whereabouts to contact Crimestoppers at (504) 822-1111. The promise of a substantial reward, combined with the relentless pursuit by law enforcement, offers hope for his imminent capture.

Implications and Future Measures

The jailbreak and subsequent recaptures have prompted a critical review of the Orleans Justice Center’s security protocols. City officials are expected to implement additional measures to reinforce the facility's infrastructure and operational procedures. These may include enhanced surveillance systems, reinforced physical barriers, and improved staff training.

Sheriff Hutson acknowledged the need for systemic improvements:

“We’ve got one more to go, Like everyone else, I call upon Derrick Groves to do the right thing and turn himself in.”

The events have also sparked discussions about broader criminal justice reform, including rehabilitation programs and support systems to reduce recidivism. The focus is not only on apprehending fugitives but also on addressing the root causes of crime and preventing future incidents.

The Capture's Impact on New Orleans

The recapture of Antoine Massey provides a sense of relief to the New Orleans community, which has been living under the shadow of the jailbreak. However, the presence of Derrick Groves still at large serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing risks. Law enforcement agencies are committed to maintaining a high level of vigilance and employing all available resources to ensure the safety and security of the city.

Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The collective effort of law enforcement and the community is essential to bringing this chapter to a close and restoring a sense of security to New Orleans.

As the search for Derrick Groves continues, the city holds its breath, hoping for a swift and peaceful resolution to this unsettling episode.

Detailed Timeline of the Escape and Recapture

The escape from the Orleans Justice Center on May 16, 2025, triggered an extensive manhunt that gripped the city of New Orleans. Here’s a detailed timeline of the key events:

• May 16, 2025: The jailbreak occurs, with multiple inmates escaping the Orleans Justice Center. Authorities immediately launch a city-wide search.
• May 17-31, 2025: Law enforcement agencies, including the New Orleans Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service, and Louisiana State Police, coordinate efforts to locate and apprehend the escapees. Several inmates are recaptured during this period.
• June 1-15, 2025: The search intensifies with increased community involvement. Crimestoppers receives numerous tips, and the $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Derrick Groves remains a significant incentive.
• June 16-26, 2025: Authorities focus on specific leads and areas of interest, including the Hollygrove neighborhood, where Antoine Massey was eventually found. Social media activity of the escapees becomes a focal point for investigators.
• June 27, 2025: Antoine Massey is captured in the 9400 block of Stroelitz Street in Hollygrove. He surrenders peacefully to law enforcement officers after they surround the house where he was hiding.
• June 28, 2025 - Present: The search for Derrick Groves continues, with authorities urging him to turn himself in. The community remains vigilant, and law enforcement agencies maintain a high level of vigilance.

The Role of Social Media in the Manhunt

Social media played a significant role in the manhunt for Antoine Massey and Derrick Groves. Massey's activity on Instagram, where he declared his innocence and sought help from celebrities, provided valuable leads for investigators. Law enforcement agencies monitored social media platforms to gather intelligence and track the movements of the escapees.

The use of social media also allowed the community to stay informed and share information. Residents posted updates, rumors, and potential sightings, contributing to the collective effort to locate the fugitives. However, it also presented challenges, as misinformation and speculation could hinder the investigation.

Impact on Local Businesses and Residents

The jailbreak and subsequent manhunt had a significant impact on local businesses and residents in New Orleans. Many businesses experienced disruptions due to increased police presence and security measures. Residents expressed concerns about their safety and security, particularly in areas where the escapees were believed to be hiding.

Some residents took extra precautions, such as installing additional security measures and avoiding certain areas of the city. The heightened sense of anxiety and uncertainty affected daily life and underscored the need for a swift resolution to the situation.

Expert Analysis of the Jailbreak

Security experts have offered various analyses of the jailbreak at the Orleans Justice Center, highlighting potential vulnerabilities in the facility's infrastructure and operational procedures. Common themes in these analyses include:

• Inadequate Security Measures: Experts point to potential shortcomings in the jail's physical barriers, surveillance systems, and alarm systems.
• Staff Training and Procedures: Some analysts suggest that inadequate staff training and procedural lapses may have contributed to the escape.
• Understaffing: Understaffing could have led to reduced vigilance and slower response times, making it easier for inmates to exploit vulnerabilities.
• Maintenance and Infrastructure: Poor maintenance of the facility's infrastructure may have created opportunities for the escapees to breach security.

These analyses underscore the need for a comprehensive review of the Orleans Justice Center's security protocols and the implementation of measures to prevent future incidents.

The Broader Context of Criminal Justice Reform

The jailbreak and subsequent manhunt have also sparked broader discussions about criminal justice reform in New Orleans and beyond. Advocates argue that the focus should not only be on apprehending fugitives but also on addressing the root causes of crime and preventing recidivism.

Key areas of reform include:

• Rehabilitation Programs: Expanding access to rehabilitation programs can help inmates develop skills and address underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior.
• Mental Health Services: Providing mental health services to inmates can help address mental health issues that may contribute to criminal behavior.
• Support Systems: Creating support systems for inmates upon release can help them reintegrate into society and avoid returning to crime.
• Community Engagement: Engaging the community in criminal justice reform efforts can help build trust and create a more supportive environment for former inmates.

By addressing these broader issues, New Orleans can work towards a more just and equitable criminal justice system that reduces crime and promotes public safety.

Derrick Groves: The Manhunt Continues

As Antoine Massey sits in custody, the hunt continues for Derrick Groves. Groves is considered a dangerous individual, with a history that includes four killings. The New Orleans Police Department, along with state and federal agencies, are utilizing all available resources to locate and apprehend him. The $50,000 reward offered by Crimestoppers remains in effect, encouraging anyone with information to come forward.

Groves' capture is of utmost importance to ensure the safety and security of the New Orleans community. Law enforcement is urging him to turn himself in, promising a fair process and legal representation. Superintendent Kirkpatrick reiterated the commitment to capturing Groves, emphasizing the relentless pursuit that will continue until he is in custody.

Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The collective effort of the community and law enforcement is crucial to bringing this unsettling episode to a close.

The manhunt for Derrick Groves serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing risks and challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining public safety. The focus remains on ensuring that justice is served and that the community can feel secure once again.