ATLANTA, GA – The final inmate involved in a dramatic jailbreak from the New Orleans Parish Jail has been captured, police confirmed this afternoon. Derek Groves was apprehended in Atlanta following a tense standoff with officers, marking the end of a months-long manhunt. Groves, along with nine other inmates, had escaped from the facility back in May, prompting widespread concern across the community.
The New Orleans District Attorney expressed relief at the news, emphasizing the importance of holding Groves accountable for his crimes. Groves was facing multiple life sentences at the time of his escape, which had left the community on edge.
The U.S. Marshals Task Force successfully located Groves at a residence in Atlanta. Officers used gas canisters to coax him out of hiding, eventually discovering him in a basement crawl space. Authorities confirmed that Groves was alone in the house at the time of his arrest.
Groves had been convicted on two counts of murder, making him a high-priority target for law enforcement. His capture brings closure to a case that had seen all other escapees apprehended over the past few months.
Attention now turns to Groves’ extradition back to New Orleans, where he will face additional charges related to the jailbreak. Officials are also focusing on securing the jail to prevent future escapes, as the facility had been criticized for its lax security.
Messages left by the inmates during their escape mocked the facility’s security measures, highlighting the need for significant improvements. The sheriff has acknowledged these issues and is working on strengthening the jail’s defenses.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Morrell announced an ongoing audit and investigation into the jail’s security failings. In a statement, Morrell praised law enforcement for their efforts in capturing Groves and pledged to prosecute him to the fullest extent.
The successful capture of Groves marks the end of an intensive search and a collective sigh of relief for the community and law enforcement alike.