Derrick Groves Apprehended in Atlanta, Ending Nearly Five-Month Escape From New Orleans Jail

Derrick Groves, the last of ten inmates who escaped from the Orleans Parish Justice Center in New Orleans on May 16, 2025, has been captured in southwest Atlanta, Georgia, ending a nearly five-month-long manhunt.

Law enforcement, including the U.S. Marshals and Atlanta Police, tracked Groves to a residence where he was hiding. After deploying gas to gain entry, officers discovered him in a crawl space beneath the home and took him into custody.

Groves, 28, had been serving time for two counts of second-degree murder related to a 2018 Mardi Gras Day shooting and was awaiting a life sentence when he escaped. His criminal history made him the most dangerous of the escapees.

Attorney General Liz Murrill confirmed that Groves now faces additional charges tied to his escape. Orleans District Attorney Jason Williams hailed the arrest as a critical step in restoring public safety and vowed to ensure Groves is held accountable for all his crimes.

The arrest closes one of the most high-profile jailbreaks in recent U.S. history, providing relief to the New Orleans community and law enforcement.