Louisiana law enforcement officials have intensified their nationwide search for two fugitives who escaped from a New Orleans jail nearly two weeks ago.
The escapees, 27-year-old Derrick Groves, a convicted double murderer, and 32-year-old Antoine Massey, a long-time fugitive with a history of evading law enforcement, fled from the Orleans Justice Center on May 16. Their breakout was part of a larger escape involving ten inmates, which authorities say was made possible by a combination of deteriorating infrastructure inside the jail and the assistance of at least one compromised employee.
Now, nearly two weeks later, state police and federal agencies are calling on the public to help close in on the two remaining fugitives—Groves and Massey—whose backgrounds raise serious safety concerns for any communities they may come into contact with.
A Call for Nationwide Vigilance
At a press conference held Thursday, Louisiana State Police Superintendent Col. Robert Hodges emphasized the importance of public cooperation in bringing the fugitives to justice.
“These dangerous fugitives don’t always stay within state lines,” Hodges warned. “That’s why we need help from across the country. If you’re listening in any other state and think you’ve seen or heard anything that could be useful—please reach out. Every tip counts.”
The $50,000 per fugitive reward is being jointly offered by Crimestoppers Greater New Orleans, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and other local and federal agencies in an effort to encourage tips that could lead to arrests. The manhunt has already produced significant engagement from the public, with more than 700 tips received since the escape.
According to Darlene Cusanza, President and CEO of Crimestoppers Greater New Orleans, these tips have already led to the capture of three of the ten original escapees. One of those arrests occurred within 30 minutes of a tip being submitted, underscoring how critical public involvement has been to the case.
However, Louisiana State Police have declined to release the identities of the three inmates who were recaptured, stating that they want to keep the focus squarely on apprehending Groves.
The Threat They Pose
The backgrounds of both fugitives highlight the gravity of the threat they represent.
Derrick Groves was convicted of murdering two men and was serving a long sentence for that crime at the time of the escape. Antoine Massey has a deeply troubling criminal history as well, with charges including domestic abuse by strangulation and vehicle theft. Perhaps even more concerning, Massey has a track record of escaping custody dating back to when he was just 15 years old.
Every time officers get a lead, the fugitives seem to disappear into another neighborhood, business, or public space.
“We’re confident that we have strong investigative leads on their whereabouts,” said Hodges. “But the problem is that as soon as we close in, they relocate. This is why we continue to appeal to the public. Someone out there knows something that could finally bring this to an end.”
Expanding Their Network
Adding to the urgency of the search is the fear that Groves and Massey are receiving help from individuals on the outside. These individuals face serious charges for obstructing justice and harboring fugitives.
As days pass, Hodges warned, the fugitives may find even more assistance, making it harder to predict their movements and increasing the risk of them traveling even farther from Louisiana.
“The longer they stay on the run, the more chances they have to get help—whether from friends, family, or strangers,” Hodges said.
A Plea to Families and Friends
In what was perhaps the most emotional portion of the press conference, Hodges directed a personal message to anyone who may be knowingly harboring the fugitives.
“I understand how difficult this situation is,” he said. “It’s heartbreaking to have to call the police and say, ‘My son is here’ or ‘My cousin is hiding in my home.’ But the reality is, these individuals are dangerous. They were incarcerated for violent crimes, and now they’ve escaped. Allowing them to stay free only increases the danger to everyone around them.”
Hodges emphasized that turning in the fugitives could give them the opportunity to return and face justice peacefully, rather than risking a violent confrontation.
“This is about keeping people safe—including the fugitives themselves. They need to be back in custody, where they can be held accountable through the proper legal process,” he added.
A System Under Pressure
The escape has also raised renewed concerns about the condition of the Orleans Justice Center, a facility that has faced scrutiny in the past for inadequate security measures and deteriorating infrastructure. Officials have not released detailed information about how the escape was carried out, but they acknowledge that security lapses played a major role.
One unnamed staff member is suspected of helping facilitate the escape, either through active assistance or willful negligence. Internal investigations are ongoing, and more arrests or disciplinary actions are expected.
Meanwhile, community leaders and public safety officials are calling for reforms to prevent future breakouts, as the incident has exposed systemic vulnerabilities in one of Louisiana’s largest detention centers.
How to Help
Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crimestoppers Greater New Orleans or by contacting local law enforcement agencies.
Investigators believe Groves and Massey may be relying on a network of supporters to help them stay mobile and hidden. Any suspicious activity, especially involving unfamiliar individuals or out-of-state visitors suddenly appearing in rural or suburban communities, should be reported immediately.
As the manhunt enters its third week, Louisiana authorities remain hopeful that with public help, the fugitives can be located and brought back into custody without further incident.