Atlanta, Georgia, October 8, 2025
News Summary
Derrick Groves, a fugitive involved in a jailbreak from a Louisiana facility, was arrested after a standoff in Atlanta. His escape involved multiple inmates and raised significant security concerns. Groves was apprehended following a tip from CrimeStoppers, ending a search that lasted several months. He now faces new charges connected to his escape and potential upgrades based on evidence found during his arrest.
Atlanta, Georgia – Derrick Groves, 28, was captured on Wednesday afternoon after a standoff with police, marking the end of a manhunt for the last of 10 inmates who escaped from a Louisiana jail on May 16. Atlanta police and the U.S. Marshals Service arrested Groves after receiving a tip from CrimeStoppers, which led authorities to a residence on Honeysuckle Lane near Campbellton Road where he was hiding in a crawl space.
The standoff resulted in law enforcement breaking down the front door, causing significant damage to the garage door. During the arrest, Groves was seen handcuffed and reportedly expressed remorse and a desire to avoid returning to prison. The homeowner of the property, Richard McQueen, stated he was unaware of the tenants living in the house and voiced concerns about the damage caused by the police’s entry.
Groves’s escape was part of a coordinated breakout that saw him and nine other inmates open a faulty cell door, remove a toilet, and create an escape route within the Orleans Justice Center. Following their escape, messages such as “To easy LOL” and “We Innocent” were found scrawled on the wall above the escape hole.
After the escape, most of the inmates were recaptured within days, but Groves remained at large, prompting a multistate manhunt. He was previously convicted of murder in October 2024 for his involvement in a fatal shooting of two individuals during Mardi Gras in February 2018. At the time of his escape, he faced charges of two counts of second-degree murder and three counts of attempted second-degree murder.
Authorities arrested more than a dozen individuals for allegedly aiding in the escape. Notably, Groves’ girlfriend, Darriana Burton, was implicated for exchanging messages with him while he was incarcerated. A jail maintenance worker, Sterling Williams, was also arrested for allegedly assisting Groves by cutting off water to facilitate the removal of the toilet.
Following his capture, Groves is expected to face additional charges related to his escape. An extradition hearing is planned in Georgia, where he could face upgraded charges due to materials found in his possession during the arrest, such as weapons and drugs. New Orleans District Attorney Jason Williams highlighted the public safety threat posed by Groves and emphasized the custodial security breach represented by the escape.
Escape Summary
- Date of Escape: May 16
- Number of Escapees: 10
- Derrick Groves’ Arrest: September 27
- Location of Arrest: Honeysuckle Lane, Atlanta
- Charges at Escape: Two counts of second-degree murder, three counts of attempted second-degree murder
- Arrests Related to Escape: Over a dozen
Background on Derrick Groves
Derrick Groves, serving a term for murder, was convicted for his role in a double homicide during Mardi Gras in 2018. His escape raised concerns about jail security, leading to widespread discussions about measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Impact and Reactions
The public and officials expressed their relief at the conclusion of the manhunt, identifying the need for improved security measures within jail facilities. The event underscores the risks associated with jail escapes and the potential dangers posed by individuals like Groves who have serious criminal backgrounds.
FAQs
Who is Derrick Groves?
Derrick Groves, 28, was previously convicted of murder in October 2024 for the February 2018 fatal shooting of two individuals during Mardi Gras. He faced charges of two counts of second-degree murder and three counts of attempted second-degree murder at the time of his escape.
How did Derrick Groves escape from jail?
The escape of Groves and nine others involved opening a faulty cell door, removing a toilet, and crawling through an escape route created in the Orleans Justice Center.
What happened after Groves was captured?
Following his arrest, Groves is expected to face additional charges related to his escape, and he will have an extradition hearing in Georgia. He may face upgraded charges due to materials found on him during his arrest.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Individual Involved | Derrick Groves |
| Age | 28 |
| Escape Date | May 16 |
| Arrest Date | September 27 |
| Location of Arrest | Honeysuckle Lane, Atlanta |
| Charges at Escape | Two counts of second-degree murder, three counts of attempted second-degree murder |
| Escape Method | Opened faulty cell door, removed toilet |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Convicted Murderer Derrick Groves Captured in Atlanta
Jailbreak Chaos at Orleans Justice Center
Additional Resources
- NBC News: Derrick Groves Captured in Atlanta
- Wikipedia: Prison Escape
- Atlanta News First: New Orleans Jail Escapee Arrested
- Google Search: Derrick Groves Escape
- WSB TV: New Orleans Inmate Arrested in Atlanta
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Prison Security
- ABC News: Final Escaped Inmate in Custody
- Google News: New Orleans Jail Escape
- Fox 8 Live: Derrick Groves Cornered in Atlanta
- CBS News: Escaped Inmate Captured in Atlanta
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.
