Atlanta, Georgia, October 9, 2025
News Summary
Derrick Groves, a 28-year-old convicted murderer, was captured in Atlanta after a nearly five-month manhunt following his escape from Orleans Parish Prison. The jailbreak involved a breach in a cell wall, which went unnoticed for over seven hours. Groves’ capture during a standoff marks the end of his flight, with pending extradition proceedings and added charges for his role in the escape. The incident has sparked discussions about prison security and the management of inmates nationwide.
Atlanta, Georgia
Derrick Groves, a 28-year-old convicted murderer, was captured on October 8, 2025, marking the end of a nearly five-month manhunt. Groves was the last of ten inmates who escaped from Orleans Parish Prison on May 16, 2025, in what was described as one of the largest and most audacious jailbreaks in recent U.S. history.
The escape involved breaching a cell wall after inmates removed a toilet and sink unit to create a hole behind the toilet. Alarmingly, the escape went unnoticed for over seven hours after a routine morning headcount failed to account for the missing inmates. Following reported messages scrawled on the prison walls, such as “To Easy LOL” and “Catch us when you can,” a massive manhunt was initiated.
Groves’ capture took place during a standoff at a residence in southwest Atlanta, where law enforcement officers used gas to coax him out. After initially ignoring police demands to surrender, Groves was eventually found hiding in a crawl space within the home he was located in.
Prior to his escape, Groves had been imprisoned for two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder linked to a shooting incident during Mardi Gras in 2018. Following the breakout, three inmates were recaptured within hours, while six more were captured within weeks, some over 300 miles away in Huntsville, Texas. Additionally, at least 16 people were arrested for providing assistance to the escapees, including Groves’ girlfriend, Darriana Burton, and a jail maintenance worker, both of whom faced serious charges.
In the aftermath of Groves’ capture, he is set to face extradition proceedings to return to New Orleans. The Louisiana Attorney General has indicated that he will also face prosecution for additional charges related to the escape. Given Groves’ prior convictions, he could face significant prison time upon his return to Louisiana, including the possibility of life imprisonment without parole.
Groves’ attorney did not enter a plea during the hearing following his arrest, and local law enforcement, alongside the U.S. Marshals Service, collaborated extensively across multiple states during the manhunt. Orleans Parish Sheriff, Susan Hutson, commended law enforcement for their diligent efforts in recapturing all the escapees and reaffirmed a commitment to public safety.
Background on the Jailbreak
The May prison break involved innovative and daring methods, showcasing the audacity and determination of the escapees. After the incident, reports revealed the escape plan had been meticulously crafted, exploiting vulnerabilities in the prison facility.
Moreover, the jail break raised serious questions about the protocols and security measures in place at Orleans Parish Prison, prompting discussions on needed reforms. This incident has led to an ongoing review of prison security and inmate management systems nationwide.
Key Figures in the Escape
- Derrick Groves: 28-year-old murderer and escapee.
- Darriana Burton: Groves’ girlfriend, arrested for aiding escape.
- Orleans Parish Jail Maintenance Worker: Accused of facilitating the escape.
Legacy of the Incident
This jailbreak has left an imprint on the community and has resulted in increased scrutiny of law enforcement practices and the management of prisons across the United States. As authorities continue to dissect the events of May 16 and the resulting escape, the focus remains on preventing similar incidents in the future.
FAQ
- Who was the last escapee from the New Orleans Jail? Derrick Groves, a convicted murderer.
- When was he captured? October 8, 2025.
- How did the inmates escape? They created a breach in the cell wall by climbing through a hole behind a toilet.
- What previous crimes has Derrick Groves committed? He was convicted of two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder.
- What happened after Groves was captured? He will face extradition to New Orleans and additional charges related to the escape.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Trio of Escaped Inmates Recaptured in New Orleans Jailbreak
Major Jail Break in New Orleans: 7 Escapees Captured
Additional Resources
- Fox 8 Live
- Wikipedia: Derrick Groves
- ABC News
- Google Search: Derrick Groves New Orleans escape
- BBC News
- Google Scholar: Derrick Groves
- CNN
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Derrick Groves
- WAFB
- Google News: Derrick Groves
- NBC News
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
