Atlanta, October 8, 2025
News Summary
Derrick Groves, a convicted murderer who escaped from Orleans Parish Jail, has been captured in Atlanta after nearly five months on the run. His apprehension occurred during a SWAT operation in southwest Atlanta, following a tip-off about his location. Groves, who had previously killed two people, now faces additional charges for his escape. His capture has raised security concerns regarding the Orleans Justice Center, highlighting the need for improved infrastructure and oversight.
Atlanta – Derrick Groves, a convicted murderer, was captured in Atlanta after being on the run for nearly five months. Groves was apprehended on Honeysuckle Lane in southwest Atlanta during a SWAT operation on Wednesday, following a coordinated effort between the U.S. Marshals Service, the Atlanta Police Department, and the Clayton County Police. Authorities received a tip about Groves’ location, which led to the SWAT standoff.
During the operation, tear gas was deployed to flush Groves out from his hiding spot in a crawl space within the residence. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the officers or any civilians during the apprehension.
Groves was one of ten inmates who escaped from the Orleans Parish Jail on May 16, 2025, by crawling through a hole behind a toilet. The other nine inmates were quickly recaptured within weeks following the escape. Groves was serving time for the murders of two individuals at a Mardi Gras gathering, sentenced to a lengthy prison term. However, he had not yet been sentenced due to administrative delays that kept him at the jail.
After the escape, graffiti was discovered at Groves’ cell containing messages like “To Easy LoL” positioned above the escape hole, indicating a planned and executed breakout. Following the incident, authorities arrested at least 16 individuals, which included Groves’ girlfriend and a jail maintenance worker, for their alleged roles in aiding the inmates’ escape. Elton Williams, the jail maintenance worker, was specifically charged with disabling the toilet’s water supply to facilitate the escape, although he insists on his innocence.
As part of the legal repercussions stemming from his escape, Groves faces additional charges of simple escape, which could lead to more prison time beyond his initial murder conviction. Extradition to Louisiana is anticipated, where he will face sentencing for his original murder conviction, in conjunction with the charges related to the escape.
This event raised significant security concerns about the Orleans Justice Center, highlighting deficiencies in infrastructure and oversight that allowed such an escape to occur. Relief has been expressed by New Orleans District Attorney Jason Williams, who noted that Groves’ capture allows the community to feel a heightened sense of safety. Groves’ capture has concluded a nationwide high-profile search, demonstrating the effectiveness of cooperation among multiple law enforcement agencies.
Key Information
- Capture Location: Honeysuckle Lane, Atlanta
- Duration on the Run: Nearly five months
- Escape Date: May 16, 2025
- Other Inmates Captured: Nine recaptured following the escape
- Additional Charges Against Groves: Simple escape
- Future Legal Proceedings: Extradition to Louisiana anticipated for sentencing
Related Arrests
- Total Arrests: At least 16 individuals in connection with the escape
- Individual Accused of Aiding Escape: Elton Williams, jail maintenance worker
Security Implications
The escape incident has raised alarms regarding the security protocols within the Orleans Justice Center, prompting discussions on necessary infrastructure improvements and oversight mechanisms.
FAQ Section
What led to Derrick Groves’ capture?
Authorities received a tip about Groves’ location, which led to a SWAT operation that resulted in his capture on Honeysuckle Lane in Atlanta.
How long was Groves on the run?
Derrick Groves was on the run for nearly five months after escaping from the Orleans Parish Jail.
When did Groves escape from jail?
Groves escaped from the Orleans Parish Jail on May 16, 2025.
What was Groves previously convicted of?
Groves was convicted of killing two people at a Mardi Gras gathering.
What additional charges did Groves face after his escape?
Groves faces additional charges of simple escape, which could come with more prison time.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Jailbreak Chaos at Orleans Justice Center
Additional Resources
- NBC News
- Wikipedia: Derrick Groves
- Atlanta News First
- Google Search: Derrick Groves New Orleans escape
- Newsweek
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Derrick Groves
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- Google News: Derrick Groves
- AJC
- USA Today
- Sandra Rose
- New York Times
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton 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 vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
