Fugitive Antoine Massey captured after six-week manhunt in New Orleans [PHOTO]
Six-Week Manhunt Ends in Hollygrove with Antoine Massey’s Arrest
Antoine Massey is one of ten inmates who staged a dramatic escape from the Orleans Justice Center in New Orleans on May 16. Now, he has been captured by U.S. Marshals. Massey’s arrest in the Hollygrove neighborhood marks a major milestone in a high-profile manhunt that has captivated the city and the nation for over six weeks. Massey is now in custody. So, only one of the original escapees remains at large: convicted murderer Derrick Groves.
Inside the Daring Escape
At 12:23 a.m. CDT on May 16, ten inmates broke out of the Orleans Justice Center using a method as bold as it was effective. Exploiting faulty cell locks and unsupervised access, the group dismantled a sliding cell door, removed a combined toilet-sink unit, and accessed a plumbing chase behind the wall. After cutting through bars, they slipped through an opening, made their way to a loading dock, scaled a facility wall, and fled across Interstate 10.
The escape wasn’t discovered until the 8:30 a.m. headcount. That as more than seven hours later. Graffiti scrawled above the escape route taunted authorities. Thus, using phrases like “To Easy LoL” and “We Innocent.” Therefore, signaling the escapees’ audacity and disregard for institutional control.
Additionally, the inmates turned the moment into a viral meme.
The Manhunt and Massey’s Capture
Law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Marshals, FBI, Louisiana State Police, and multiple local departments, launched a sweeping manhunt. A $50,000 reward and over 1,200 tips poured in. Antoine Massey, age 33, managed to evade authorities for six weeks. His prior history of breaking ankle monitors and a 2007 escape attempt made him a high-priority target.
On June 27, yesterday, an anonymous Crime Stoppers tip led officers to a short-term rental on the 9400 block of Stroelitz Street in Hollygrove. By 3:30 p.m., Massey had surrendered peacefully. Officials suspect he received outside assistance, possibly involving the Airbnb rental, and are pursuing additional leads.
Charges and Background
Massey faced charges related to domestic abuse involving strangulation and automotive theft at the time of his escape. His criminal record dates back over a decade, including multiple escape attempts, contributing to the urgency of recapturing him.
Of the ten escapees, many faced serious charges, including second-degree murder, attempted murder, and armed robbery. Nine have now been captured, with only one remaining: Derrick Groves, 28, convicted in the 2018 Mardi Gras Day shootings.
The Last Man Standing: Derrick Groves
Groves is the final fugitive from the May jailbreak. His criminal history is extensive, beginning with a 2014 charge and culminating in his conviction for killing two and attempting to kill two others in 2018. He is also the grandson of Kim Groves, a key figure in a 1994 NOPD corruption case involving the notorious Officer Len Davis, adding a historical layer to his infamy.
His girlfriend, Darriana Burton, was arrested on June 9 for allegedly aiding his escape. She is being held on a $2.5 million bond. As of this morning, June 28, Groves remains at large, prompting intensified search efforts.
A Community-Driven Response and Social Reactions
Massey’s capture underscores the critical role of public cooperation in law enforcement. According to 2022 data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, community tips contribute to the resolution of 18% of fugitive cases. The Massey case highlights this dynamic, as his Instagram posts during the manhunt helped narrow down his location.
As details of the jailbreak and captures emerged, platforms like X (formerly Twitter) exploded with reactions. Posts such as “Derrick Groves is the last man standing” and “Looks like we have a winner” show a blend of dark humor and public fascination. Some users joked about betting on who would be the last to be caught, while others expressed outrage over the ease of the escape.
Orleans Justice Center: A Troubled Facility
The Orleans Justice Center has long been plagued by issues. Opened in 2015 at a cost of $150 million, it was intended to replace the discredited Orleans Parish Prison. Despite its modern design, the jail has faced persistent oversight failures, especially concerning housing mentally ill inmates and securing its infrastructure.
Since 2013, the facility has been under a federal consent decree mandating systemic reforms. Internal escapes have increased over the past two years, and court records suggest growing instability. Three jail employees have been suspended, and one has been arrested for assisting in the May 16 escape.
In past decades, Orleans facilities have seen inmates escaping for nights on the town or leaving graffiti mocking authorities. This jailbreak is a harsh reminder of unresolved security flaws.
Larger Implications for Criminal Justice Reform
The 2025 escape has reignited debates about the state of New Orleans’ criminal justice system. Federal oversight, compounded by Hurricane Katrina’s long-term effects and a history of inmate abuse and corruption, paints a dire picture. While the Orleans Justice Center was built as a symbol of reform, recent events suggest the problems are far from over.
Calls for better training, stronger infrastructure, and comprehensive oversight are growing louder. With Antoine Massey in custody and only Derrick Groves on the run, officials are hoping to close this dark chapter with meaningful reform.
Final Thoughts
The capture of Antoine Massey in Hollygrove marks a significant victory for law enforcement. Also, it’s a victory for a community determined to reclaim safety after a brazen jailbreak that exposed deep flaws in the Orleans Justice Center. Yet, with Derrick Groves still at large, the manhunt continues. Therefore, underscoring the challenges of securing a facility plagued by systemic issues.
This six-week saga has not only captivated the nation but also reignited urgent calls for criminal justice reform in New Orleans. The Orleans Justice Center, despite its modern design, remains hindered by oversight failures, inadequate infrastructure, and a history of instability. This was evidenced by the federal consent decree and recurring escapes.
Massey’s arrest was driven by a critical community tip. Therefore, it highlights the power of public cooperation. Meanwhile, social media reactions reveal a mix of fascination and frustration with the system. Now, authorities intensify their search for Groves.
This escape has laid bare the fragility of the city’s correctional system, but it also offers an opportunity to rebuild trust and ensure justice prevails, closing this chapter with lasting change.