The Derrick Groves charges have gripped headlines, painting a chilling portrait of a convicted murderer still at large after a daring escape from the Orleans Parish Justice Center. Just days ago, on May 16, 2025, Groves, alongside nine other inmates, broke free from a New Orleans jail, exploiting a maintenance worker’s actions and a faulty cell door. As of May 20, 2025, authorities recaptured a fifth escapee, Corey Boyd, leaving Groves and five others still evading law enforcement. This unfolding saga of a four-time convicted killer has sparked fear, raised questions about jail security, and intensified a citywide manhunt. Let’s dive into the latest developments surrounding Groves’ charges, his escape, and the urgent efforts to bring him back into custody.
The Derrick Groves Charges: A Violent Past
Derrick Groves, a 27-year-old New Orleans native, carries a heavy rap sheet that underscores his dangerous reputation. In October 2024, a jury convicted him of two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder for a brutal 2018 Mardi Gras Day shooting in the city’s Ninth Ward. The attack claimed the lives of Byron Jackson and Jamar Robinson, leaving a trail of grief for their families. Groves also pleaded guilty to manslaughter, awaiting sentencing when he escaped. Additional charges, including battery of a correctional officer, piled up during his time in custody. His violent history has authorities labeling him “armed and dangerous,” urging the public to stay vigilant.
The Great Escape: How It Happened
The jailbreak that set Groves free reads like a movie script. Early on May 16, 2025, ten inmates, including Groves, exploited a defective cell door in the Orleans Justice Center. They yanked the door off its tracks, removed a toilet, and crawled through a plumbing hole in the wall. Blankets shielded them from barbed wire as they scaled a fence, darted across Interstate 10, and vanished into a nearby neighborhood. Surveillance footage captured the chaos, showing Groves and others fleeing through a loading dock. A maintenance worker, Sterling Williams, aged 33, was arrested for allegedly aiding the escape by turning off the cell’s water supply under threat from inmate Antoine Massey. Williams now faces charges of malfeasance and principal to simple escape.
Derrick Groves Charges Fuel Public Fear
The Derrick Groves charges have amplified public anxiety, especially given his status as a convicted killer still on the loose. Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams, who prosecuted Groves’ 2018 murder case, expressed personal fear for his safety. Two prosecutors who worked alongside Williams fled Louisiana with their families, citing concerns over possible retribution. Witnesses from Groves’ trial have reportedly gone into hiding, haunted by the specter of his freedom. Social media buzzes with speculation, with some users suggesting Groves might target those linked to his conviction or even flee to Mexico. His aunt, Jasmine Groves, made a heartfelt plea for him to surrender safely, maintaining his innocence despite the overwhelming evidence.
| Key Details of Derrick Groves’ Case |
|---|
| Conviction Date: October 2024 |
| Charges: 2 counts second-degree murder, 2 counts attempted second-degree murder, manslaughter, battery of a correctional officer |
| Escape Date: May 16, 2025 |
| Status: At large, considered armed and dangerous |
| Reward for Capture: $20,000 |
The Manhunt Intensifies
Law enforcement has thrown everything into the search for Groves and his fellow escapees. The FBI, Louisiana State Police, and New Orleans Police Department are collaborating, with the FBI offering a $10,000 reward per fugitive, while Governor Jeff Landry boosted the total to $20,000 per inmate. As of May 20, 2025, five inmates remain at large: Groves, Antoine Massey, Lenton Vanburen, Jermaine Donald, and Leo Tate. Authorities suspect some may have fled Louisiana, complicating the manhunt. The Louisiana Attorney General is investigating the jailbreak, focusing on internal complicity, as three other jail employees face suspension. Sheriff Susan Hutson admitted to staffing shortages, with the jail operating at 60% capacity, highlighting systemic issues that enabled the escape.
Why Groves’ Case Stands Out
Among the escapees, Groves’ profile is particularly alarming. Unlike most of his counterparts, who face pending trials, Groves was already convicted, making his continued presence in a local jail puzzling. Critics point to systemic failures in Orleans Parish, where delays in sentencing and transfers to state prisons allowed Groves to remain in a less secure facility. Former prosecutor Laura Cannizzaro Rodrigue called it a “slap in the face” to victims, noting that Groves’ case was reset 15 times before his escape. The public’s outrage grows as families of his victims, like Jamar Robinson’s, relive their trauma, knowing a convicted killer roams free.
Community Impact and Ongoing Concerns
The escape has shaken New Orleans, exposing vulnerabilities in the city’s justice system. Residents are on edge, with emergency alerts urging them to report suspicious activity. The delay in notifying the public—hours after the jailbreak—drew sharp criticism from officials and citizens alike. Governor Landry called it the “largest jailbreak in state history,” ordering an audit of the Orleans Justice Center. Federal monitors had previously warned Sheriff Hutson about inadequate supervision, a warning now proven prescient. As the manhunt stretches into its fifth day, the community grapples with fear and frustration, wondering how such a breach occurred.
What’s Next in the Derrick Groves Charges Saga?
The Derrick Groves charges remain a focal point as authorities race to recapture him. His violent past and the audacity of his escape keep this story at the forefront of local and national news. Law enforcement vows to work around the clock, with intelligence suggesting Groves may still be in the region, though some fear he’s slipped beyond state lines. The arrest of Sterling Williams marks a step toward accountability, but questions linger about other potential accomplices. For now, New Orleans holds its breath, hoping for Groves’ swift capture to restore a sense of safety.
The Derrick Groves charges and his ongoing evasion are a stark reminder of the stakes in our justice system. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and report any sightings to the authorities immediately. If you have information on Groves or the other escapees, contact the FBI or Louisiana State Police. Your tip could help bring a dangerous fugitive back into custody and protect your community.