Two Inmates Still on the Run After Daring New Orleans Jailbreak as Manhunt Expands Across State Lines

Antoine Massey and Derrick Groves

More than a week after 10 inmates escaped from a New Orleans jail by cutting through a bathroom wall behind a metal toilet, two fugitives remain at large, sparking an intensified manhunt across state lines. Authorities confirmed on Monday the capture of three more escapees — Lenton Vanburen, Leo Tate, and Jermaine Donald — bringing the total number of recaptured inmates to eight.

Tate and Donald were apprehended in Texas after a high-speed pursuit involving multiple law enforcement agencies. The final two escapees still at large are Antoine Massey, 33, and Derrick Groves, 27, both of whom are considered armed and dangerous by authorities.

Massey has a long history of prison breaks and escape attempts dating back to 2007. At just 15 years old, he escaped a juvenile detention center in New Orleans after a broken lock gave him and five others access to shackles, which they used to smash a window and flee. He was found weeks later on an interstate in east New Orleans. In 2009, Massey was charged with attempted escape in Orleans Parish. In 2019, he escaped again — this time from a northern Louisiana detention center — by cutting through and crawling under a chain-link fence during daylight. He was apprehended in Texas later that day.

Massey has twice cut off court-ordered GPS ankle monitors, most recently in late 2023. Officials familiar with Massey’s record have expressed disbelief that someone with his known escape risk was housed on the jail’s first floor. One monitoring expert stated, “There isn’t an ounce of this man’s history that doesn’t say ‘escape.’” Law enforcement officials noted that it was unsurprising Massey was involved in this latest jailbreak, which the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office described as a “coordinated effort.”

The inmates escaped through a hole behind a metal toilet in a handicapped-accessible cell. Investigators discovered the words “To Easy LoL” scrawled on the cell wall. Authorities have cited faulty locks, stolen jail blankets, and possible assistance from inside the jail as contributing factors. The escape has led to at least 13 arrests of individuals believed to have helped either before or after the May 16 jailbreak.

One of those arrested is Sterling Williams, a jail maintenance worker who turned off the water supply to the toilet. Williams claims he was following orders to repair an overflowing toilet, while an affidavit alleges he was threatened by Massey. His attorney argues that jail officials are attempting to scapegoat Williams to cover up internal failures.

The other fugitive, Derrick Groves, was convicted late last year for his role in a 2018 double homicide on Mardi Gras day. Prosecutors said Groves and another gunman used AK-47-style rifles to open fire on a family gathering in what was supposed to be a festive holiday celebration. Groves was found guilty of two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder, carrying a mandatory life sentence.

Since the escape, Groves’ family has reported police helicopters and patrols near their homes. His aunt, Jasmine Groves, has publicly urged him to surrender, expressing concern for his safety and hoping authorities will avoid using deadly force.

The manhunt continues, with law enforcement agencies expanding their search efforts across multiple states.