Final Fugitive from Notorious Louisiana Jailbreak Captured in Atlanta

Sat Oct 11 2025 00:34:10 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Derrick Groves, the last escapee from a dramatic May jailbreak in New Orleans, has been apprehended in Atlanta after evading capture for nearly five months. His mother expresses concern for his safety following his arrest.

Derrick Groves, the final escapee from a May jailbreak that saw ten inmates flee a New Orleans jail, has been apprehended in Atlanta. After a tense standoff, Groves was caught hiding in a crawl space. His capture concludes a five-month manhunt and raises questions about a possible inside job that facilitated the escape. Groves’ mother has stated her concern for his well-being and hopes for a peaceful resolution.

Atlanta (AP) — Derrick Groves, the only escaped Louisiana inmate who remained on the run following an audacious May jailbreak involving ten men, has been found in Atlanta, according to the U.S. Marshals.

Apprehended in a house after nearly five months on the run, Groves, 28, was taken into custody following a brief standoff, confirmed Deputy U.S. Marshal Brian Fair. He had been sentenced for murder and was considered the most dangerous among the escapees.

“He was hiding in a crawl space,” said Fair. “It appears he was the only one in this house and he was hidden pretty well.”

Authorities had offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to his capture, and Groves was initially among ten inmates who broke free from a New Orleans jail on May 16.

After discovering the jailbreak, it took only six weeks for law enforcement to recapture the other nine escapees, most of whom were found within Louisiana.

Mother's Reaction

Reacting to her son’s capture, Stephanie Groves expressed her emotional turmoil, saying, “I’m just seeing it on the internet. I woke up to it on the internet.” She voiced concern for her son’s safety and expressed a desire for a peaceful surrender. Her family has been under surveillance by authorities during his escape.

The Great Escape

The jailbreak was one of the most significant in U.S. history, with inmates opening a faulty cell door and sneaking through a hole behind a toilet. They scaled barbed-wire fences and used the cover of darkness to flee. A graffiti message left at the scene read: “To Easy LoL.”

Officials noted several security lapses contributed to the escape, including ineffective cell locks and a lone guard leaving to get food. A maintenance worker has been arrested for allegedly aiding the escape, and another former employee is suspected of playing a role.

Aftermath and Charges

Groves now faces additional charges following his recapture, including the original charges from which he escaped. Meanwhile, the other nine escapees pleaded not guilty to escape charges in July, which carry sentences ranging from two to five years. The case has stirred significant public concern regarding jail security and management.