Ninth Authorities have apprehended the ninth inmate who escaped from a New Orleans juvenile detention facility, leaving just one escapee still on the run.
Ninth Serial Escapee Antoine Massey Captured in New Orleans; One Inmate Still at Large
Ninth Antoine Massey, a repeat escapee who fled from the Orleans Justice Center in New Orleans alongside nine other inmates in a dramatic jailbreak on May 16, was captured Friday afternoon, according to the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office. His arrest brings the number of recaptured escapees to nine, with only one still on the run.
Massey, 33, was apprehended at a rental property in the Hollygrove neighborhood, not far from the jail he escaped over a month ago. U.S. Marshals said he was taken into custody without incident after being surrounded. “It was peaceful,” Deputy U.S. Marshal Brian Fair told CNN.
Massey, whose criminal history includes charges of vehicle theft and domestic abuse involving strangulation, is no stranger to escaping custody. His first known escape occurred in 2007 when he broke out of a juvenile detention center after being arrested on charges of armed robbery and aggravated assault, according to NOLA.com.
Inmates exploited faulty locks and used electric hair clippers with multiple blades to cut through cell walls. They reportedly used stolen bedding and took advantage of an overworked and hungry jail staffer to aid their breakout.
In early June, authorities raided a home after a video circulated online showing a man claiming to be Massey asserting his innocence. In the video, he appealed to rapper Lil Wayne for help and displayed what he said was a notarized affidavit proving his ex-girlfriend, Diamond White, had recanted abuse allegations against him. White, however, did not respond to CNN’s request for comment.
One Fugitive Still Free: Convicted Murderer Derrick Groves
While Massey is now back in custody, authorities continue to search for Derrick Groves, the last of the ten escapees still at large. Groves was convicted in October for the 2018 killings of two people during a Mardi Gras gathering and had also pleaded guilty to assaulting a corrections officer. His trial reportedly spanned four separate proceedings before a conviction was reached.
In a news conference Friday, New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick made a direct appeal to Groves. “We are going to capture you,” she stated. “You will be taken into custody, but you still have the option to peacefully turn yourself in.”
She added that legal support was ready for him the moment he surrendered: “The public defender is ready to meet you and be with you from the very moment you choose to turn yourself in.”
Authorities believe Groves has received assistance since his escape. In June, police arrested Darriana Burton, believed to be his girlfriend, for allegedly helping him flee. Investigators say she maintained communication with Groves through texts and video calls in the days leading up to the jailbreak.
$50,000 Reward for Information on Groves
A reward of up to $50,000 is being offered by Crimestoppers Greater New Orleans, the FBI, and other agencies for information leading to Groves’ arrest. Officials have urged the public to come forward with tips.
“Just like we found Mr. Massey today, we will find Mr. Groves,” said Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Walter Martin. “We’ll continue our efforts.”
Martin emphasized that tips can be submitted anonymously. “You can remain anonymous, but we need your help,” he said.
As of now, the manhunt continues for Derrick Groves, while law enforcement officials remain vigilant and committed to ensuring that all ten escapees are accounted for.