Derrick Groves Captured After Atlanta Standoff Following Jail Break

Derrick Groves, the final inmate to escape from the Orleans Parish Justice Center in New Orleans, was apprehended on Wednesday in Atlanta. The 28-year-old had been hiding in a crawl space beneath a home when law enforcement located him after receiving a tip from New Orleans Crimestoppers. Groves had previously been convicted of second-degree murder and was serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

Authorities indicated that capturing Groves was challenging, requiring a tactical response involving gas deployment into the residence. “They couldn’t find him; they had to deploy gas multiple times into the house and basement,” said Deputy US Marshal Brian Fair. “Based on how long it took a seasoned, well-trained SWAT team to get him out, he had planned to hide for a while.”

As officers took him into custody, Groves, appearing shirtless and shackled at the wrists and ankles, blew a kiss and smiled at cameras, a moment that quickly circulated on social media. Sitting in the police vehicle, he also appeared to communicate with reporters, though the content of his remarks remains unclear.

Details of the Escape and Subsequent Charges

Groves was one of ten inmates who escaped from the New Orleans facility on May 16, 2024. Their escape was facilitated by a breach made through a hole behind a toilet. Investigators later discovered a crude arrow pointing to the escape route and a mocking message: “To Easy LoL.” Officials attributed the break to inadequate staffing and infrastructure, highlighting that the only guard on duty had left for food.

In the wake of the escape, authorities arrested a jail maintenance worker and Groves’ girlfriend, suspecting their involvement in the incident. All ten escapees, including Groves, are now facing additional charges of simple escape, which could result in an extra five years in prison on top of their existing sentences.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry commended law enforcement for successfully recapturing all escaped inmates. In a statement on X, he noted, “They are back where they belong: BEHIND BARS.”

Groves was processed and booked into the Fulton County Jail on charges related to being a fugitive from justice. His public defender, Peter Freiberg, commented on the situation, stating, “Literally all I know is the alert from the city of New Orleans saying he was arrested in Atlanta.”

Family Reactions and Future Proceedings

Groves’ mother, Stephanie Groves, expressed a mix of relief and emotion upon learning of her son’s capture. “I’m all messed up, I’m just trying to talk to him,” she told The Associated Press. Stephanie noted that she had urged her son to surrender and expressed her surprise at his decision to flee to Atlanta, adding, “Of course he was going to get caught.”

The case surrounding Groves is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by correctional facilities in managing inmate security. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill addressed the situation, stating, “Everyone is entitled to due process, but there’s a video of these detainees running out of the jail in the middle of the night. They were not heading to court hearings.”

As the legal proceedings unfold, Groves’ future remains uncertain, with serious charges ahead. The implications of this case extend beyond individual accountability, highlighting systemic issues within the correctional system itself.