ATLANTA (AP) — Derrick Groves, the last of the ten Louisiana inmates who dramatically escaped from a New Orleans jail in May, has been captured in Atlanta following nearly five months on the run. His respite from the law ended after a brief standoff when he was found hiding in a crawl space.
Groves, 28, previously convicted of murder, was the most violent of those who escaped, prompting a reward of $50,000 for information leading to his capture. He was hiding pretty well, noted Deputy U.S. Marshal Brian Fair.
Family Concern During Capture
Groves’ mother, Stephanie Groves, expressed her distress over the situation, revealing she only learned of her son's capture through the internet. She hopes he can surrender peacefully, lamenting the chaos that has followed their family since his escape.
The Infamous Jailbreak
The escape, which has been dubbed one of the largest in recent history, saw the men fleeing through a hole behind a toilet after manipulating a faulty cell door. Authorities, who did not discover their absence until a headcount, believe several escapees received assistance from individuals inside the jail, including a maintenance worker who has since faced charges.
Following his capture, Groves faces additional charges related to the escape, alongside the other nine men who had previously been recaptured. The escapees had been awaiting sentencing for serious offenses, including homicide.
Jail Controversies and Accountability
Orleans Parish officials have come under fire for the jailbreak, cited as evidence of systemic failures within the facility. Sheriff Susan Hutson has faced scrutiny regarding management practices, with calls for accountability following these significant security lapses.
Despite their allegations of due process, the nine men charged with escape maintain their innocence regarding the charges. Attorney General Liz Murrill emphasized the robust evidence against them following their jailbreak.