In New Orleans, law enforcement officials announced the capture of Antoine Massey, one of ten men who had managed to escape from a local jail roughly six weeks ago. Massey, age 33, was detained at a residence located approximately two miles from the jail premises, according to Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick of the New Orleans Police Department.
Kirkpatrick explained that Massey exited the home peacefully and surrendered to law enforcement officers who had encircled the building. The Orleans Parish Sheriff, Susan Hutson, mentioned that a tip received earlier in the morning led to Massey’s apprehension by the afternoon.
Robert Hodges, the Louisiana State Police Superintendent, commented that investigations continue regarding how Massey managed to evade capture for such an extended period at that location. He suggested that the fugitive likely received assistance.
Authorities had been closely monitoring social media posts from someone claiming to be Massey. Police had previously executed a search at another New Orleans property believed to be the origin of these videos but did not locate him there. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill praised the efforts of law enforcement after his capture, remarking that only one more escapee remains at large.
Derrick Groves, a convicted murderer, is still on the run. Police had apprehended the remaining eight escapees following the jailbreak on May 16, which was one of the more substantial prison escapes recently recorded in the U.S. The escapees had taken advantage of a malfunctioning door in their cell, moving through a makeshift hole behind a toilet, overstepping a barbed-wire fence to achieve their escape under the cover of darkness.
It wasn’t until a morning headcount that their absence was realized, with authorities finding markings at the escape site that read “To Easy LoL” next to an arrow pointing towards the gap. Investigations have highlighted significant security oversights at the jail. A maintenance worker has been arrested on accusations of assisting in the escape by allegedly stopping the water supply to the toilet, aiding in the escape. His lawyer insists on his innocence.
Massey, prior to the escape, faced several charges including rape, kidnapping, domestic violence involving strangulation, violation of a protective order, motor vehicle theft, and domestic battery. Murrill indicated that Massey will now also face charges for participating in the jailbreak.
Additionally, authorities arrested a woman linked to Massey, accusing her of obstructing justice and aiding in the escape. She allegedly was informed of the escape plans and misdirected authorities in their search. A $50,000 reward for information leading to Groves’ capture is still being offered.