ATLANTA (AP) — Derrick Groves, the last escaped inmate from a daring May jailbreak in Louisiana, has been captured in Atlanta, according to U.S. Marshals. After nearly five months on the run, Groves was found hiding in a crawl space in a house after a brief standoff with law enforcement.
Groves, 28, had a violent criminal history, including a conviction for murder, and was facing a possible life sentence before he escaped. Authorities had been actively searching for him, offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to his recapture.
The jailbreak itself was notable, as Groves and nine others managed to break out of a New Orleans jail by removing a toilet and crawling through a hidden hole. The escape highlighted significant security lapses at the facility, where a lone guard had left to get food, allowing the inmates to flee unnoticed.
Groves’ mother expressed her concern for her son's safety upon hearing the news of his capture, echoing the tumultuous emotions of a family kept under surveillance during his time on the run. She spoke about her desire for him to surrender peacefully, having been unaware of his actions since his escape.
Other inmates involved in this high-profile escape were recaptured within weeks, many still found in Louisiana. They now face additional charges linked to their escape, further complicating their legal situations. The attention on this escape and subsequent events have led to criticism of the Orleans Parish Sheriff for potential infractions that contributed to the jailbreak, raising questions about the future of jail security in Louisiana.
Groves, 28, had a violent criminal history, including a conviction for murder, and was facing a possible life sentence before he escaped. Authorities had been actively searching for him, offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to his recapture.
The jailbreak itself was notable, as Groves and nine others managed to break out of a New Orleans jail by removing a toilet and crawling through a hidden hole. The escape highlighted significant security lapses at the facility, where a lone guard had left to get food, allowing the inmates to flee unnoticed.
Groves’ mother expressed her concern for her son's safety upon hearing the news of his capture, echoing the tumultuous emotions of a family kept under surveillance during his time on the run. She spoke about her desire for him to surrender peacefully, having been unaware of his actions since his escape.
Other inmates involved in this high-profile escape were recaptured within weeks, many still found in Louisiana. They now face additional charges linked to their escape, further complicating their legal situations. The attention on this escape and subsequent events have led to criticism of the Orleans Parish Sheriff for potential infractions that contributed to the jailbreak, raising questions about the future of jail security in Louisiana.
