Atlanta, October 8, 2025
News Summary
Derrick Groves, the last escapee from a New Orleans jail break, was apprehended after a standoff in Atlanta. The 28-year-old was hiding in a crawl space and is set to be extradited to face charges related to his escape and previous violent offenses. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies were crucial in his capture, which brings some relief to victims and the community affected by his prior crimes.
Atlanta – Derrick Groves, the final inmate from a significant jailbreak in New Orleans, was captured on Wednesday following a tense standoff with law enforcement in Atlanta. Groves, 28, was one of ten inmates who escaped from the Orleans Parish Prison on May 16, which initiated an extensive multi-agency manhunt.
His arrest occurred around 1 p.m. at a residence on Honeysuckle Lane in southwest Atlanta, where he was discovered hiding in a crawl space. Law enforcement, including the U.S. Marshals Service and local police, attempted to coax Groves out of the home. After several hours, Groves complied and exited the residence.
Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson expressed appreciation for the cooperation among various agencies involved in the manhunt, affirming that law enforcement would continue their efforts until all escapees were apprehended. After his capture, Groves is set to be extradited back to New Orleans to face charges connected to his escape.
Previously, Groves had been convicted on two counts of second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder and had also been found guilty of manslaughter in unrelated cases. His escape was notably facilitated by inmates crawling through a hole they had created by forcibly opening a faulty cell door and removing a toilet from the wall. Markings were found on the wall above the escape hole that read “To easy LOL” and “We Innocent.”
Following the escape, three of the other fugitives were recaptured within hours, and the captures continued over subsequent weeks. Many of these individuals now face additional charges related to the escape. The investigation has led to over a dozen arrests of individuals accused of aiding the escapees, including Groves’ girlfriend, Darriana Burton, alleged to have coordinated phone calls regarding the escape plan that were not monitored by jail authorities. A maintenance worker, Sterling Williams, was arrested for assisting the escape by disabling the water supply to the toilet.
The Orleans Justice Center has faced criticism regarding design flaws that contributed to the escape as well as inadequate custodial security. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has pledged to pursue full prosecution of Groves for both his earlier convictions and the escape charges.
Upon his arrest, it was reported that Groves expressed remorse for his actions and indicated he didn’t want to return to prison. His capture has been viewed as a relief for the victims and witnesses of his prior crimes, as well as for the community of New Orleans.
Key Details of the Escape and Arrest
- Date of Escape: May 16
- Number of Escapees: 10
- Derrick Groves’ Age: 28
- Location of Arrest: Honeysuckle Lane, Atlanta
- Time of Arrest: 1 p.m.
Background Context
The mass escape from Orleans Parish Prison involved inmates exploiting a faulty structure, highlighting severe issues in custodial security and facility design. Groves’ violent past stems from previous convictions of murder and manslaughter, marking him as a dangerous individual within the community.
FAQ
Who was Derrick Groves and why was he in jail?
Derrick Groves was awaiting sentencing for killing two people at a Mardi Gras party and had a history of violent offenses.
How did Derrick Groves escape from jail?
The escape involved inmates crawling through a hole created by yanking open a faulty cell door and removing a toilet from the wall.
What happened during the capture of Derrick Groves?
Law enforcement officials called for Groves to exit the residence where he was hiding, and he eventually complied after some time. He will be extradited back to New Orleans to face charges related to his escape.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Escapees | 10 |
| Derrick Groves Arrested | September 27 |
| Location of Escape | Orleans Parish Prison |
| Previous Convictions | Two counts of second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, manslaughter |
| Escape Method | Crawling through a hole in the jail |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Last Fugitive from New Orleans Jail Escape Captured
Derrick Groves Captured After Multi-State Manhunt
Convicted Murderer Derrick Groves Captured in Atlanta
Jailbreak Chaos at Orleans Justice Center
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New Orleans Jail Break: A Maintenance Worker Caught in the Chaos
Ten Inmates Escape from Orleans Parish Jail
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Macon, Georgia: Immigration Enforcement and Crime Insights
Additional Resources
- NBC News
- Wikipedia: Derrick Groves
- WSBTV
- Google Search: Derrick Groves
- ABC News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Derrick Groves
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.
