Atlanta, October 8, 2025
News Summary
Derrick Groves, the final fugitive from a New Orleans jail escape, was captured in Atlanta after a four-month manhunt. Groves was apprehended following a standoff with police, who located him hiding in a crawl space. His escape involved a group jailbreak where inmates manipulated prison infrastructure. This event raised concerns about prison security and the complicity of others in the escape, with numerous arrests related to aiding the fugitives.
Atlanta – Derrick Groves, the last remaining fugitive from a New Orleans jail escape, was captured in Atlanta on October 8, 2025. This capture concluded a four-month manhunt that began with a jailbreak on May 16, 2025, where Groves was one of ten inmates who fled from the Orleans Parish Justice Center.
Groves was apprehended after a standoff with police at a home in southwest Atlanta. Authorities were able to locate him based on tips received from the U.S. Marshals Service through Crime Stoppers, leading them to a crawl space beneath the house where Groves had reportedly reinforced his hiding spot. Law enforcement deployed gas multiple times to coax him out before ultimately discovering him in the hidden area.
During the initial escape, which involved the inmates yanking open a faulty cell door and removing a toilet from the wall to crawl through a hole, three inmates were captured within hours. Gary Price was arrested on May 19, and Corey Boyd was taken into custody the following day. By May 26, Jermaine Donald and Leo Tate were apprehended in Texas, followed by Lenton Vanburen in Baton Rouge. Antoine Massey was arrested in June in New Orleans.
In addition to the escapees, over a dozen people were arrested for allegedly assisting them, including Groves’ girlfriend, Darriana Burton, who maintained communication with him through text messages and video calls while he was incarcerated. A jail maintenance worker, Sterling Williams, was also arrested for cutting off water supplies to facilitate the escape.
At the time of his escape, Groves was serving a life sentence for second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder, resulting from a shooting incident during a Mardi Gras block party in 2024 that left two people dead and several others injured.
Following his capture, Groves was booked into the Fulton County Jail on fugitive from justice charges. Investigations are ongoing to determine how Groves traveled to Atlanta and whether he received assistance during his time on the run. The Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office has expressed satisfaction with Groves’ capture, stressing the seriousness of the escape. Groves is expected to be extradited back to Louisiana to face additional charges related to the jailbreak, though legal experts suggest he may challenge the extradition, an act that is rarely successful.
With Groves’ capture, all ten escapees from the May breakout have now been apprehended, consolidating an extensive manhunt involving collaboration between the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office and various law enforcement agencies. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry commended the successful recapture of Groves and the return of all escapees to custody, emphasizing the effective collaboration among law enforcement.
Escape Details
- Escape Date: May 16, 2025
- Method: Yanking open a faulty cell door, removing a toilet, crawling through a hole
- Initial Capture: Three inmates captured within hours of escape
Timeline of Arrests
- Garrett Price – Arrested: May 19, 2025
- Corey Boyd – Arrested: May 20, 2025
- Jermaine Donald and Leo Tate – Captured: May 26, 2025
- Lenton Vanburen – Captured: Baton Rouge
- Antoine Massey – Arrested: June 2025
Legal Proceedings
- Charges: Fugitive from justice, additional charges pending related to jailbreak
- Possible Extradition Challenge: May be attempted, but rarely successful
Community Impact
The impact of the jailbreak has been felt throughout the community and highlighted ongoing concerns regarding prison security and inmate management. The Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office has emphasized the need for vigilance to prevent similar incidents in the future.
FAQ
Who was captured on October 8, 2025?
Derrick Groves, the last remaining fugitive from a New Orleans jail escape.
What led to Groves’ capture?
His capture followed a four-month manhunt and was aided by tips received by the U.S. Marshals Service.
What was Groves serving time for?
He had been serving a life sentence for second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder.
Are any investigations ongoing?
Yes, investigations are ongoing to determine how Groves traveled to Atlanta and whether he received assistance.
Key Features of Groves’ Capture
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Capture Date | October 8, 2025 |
| Method of Escape | Yanked open cell door, removed toilet, crawled through hole |
| Maximum Sentence | Life Sentence for second-degree murder |
| All Escapees Captured | Yes, all ten have been apprehended |
| Collaboration | Involvement of multiple law enforcement agencies |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Derrick Groves Captured After Multi-State Manhunt
Convicted Murderer Derrick Groves Captured in Atlanta
Atlanta Police Seek Help Identifying Burglary Suspects
Atlanta Experiences Surge of Violent Incidents Amid Calls for Action
Jailbreak Chaos at Orleans Justice Center
New Orleans Jail Break: A Maintenance Worker Caught in the Chaos
Ten Inmates Escape from Orleans Parish Jail
Additional Resources
- NBC News: Derrick Groves Captured
- CBS News: Derrick Groves Manhunt Ends
- Fox 8 Live: Derrick Groves Standoff
- WDSU: Inmate Derrick Groves Apprehended
- USA Today: Final Escapee Captured
- Wikipedia: Derrick Groves
- Google Search: Derrick Groves Escape
- Google Scholar: Derrick Groves Escape
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Derrick Groves
- Google News: Derrick Groves Arrest
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.
