Derrick Groves Caught in Atlanta After Five-Month Manhunt

Escaped inmate Derrick Groves, the last fugitive from the historic New Orleans jailbreak in May, has been captured in Atlanta, bringing an end to a months-long nationwide search. Authorities confirmed that Groves was found hiding inside a house in southwest Atlanta on Wednesday following a coordinated law enforcement operation.

The 31-year-old convicted murderer was taken into custody after a brief standoff with police and federal marshals. His capture ends one of the most high-profile manhunts in Louisiana’s history and restores public confidence after months of scrutiny over the prison system’s security failures.

Final Fugitive from New Orleans Jailbreak Captured

Groves was the last of ten inmates who escaped from the Orleans Parish Justice Center on May 16, 2025. The breakout, which involved breaching a wall behind a cell toilet, exposed serious weaknesses in jail infrastructure and oversight. While the other nine escapees were captured within weeks, Groves managed to evade capture for nearly five months.

Law enforcement officials said Groves had been moving between several southern states, using personal contacts and accomplices to avoid detection. The breakthrough came when investigators traced him to a home in southwest Atlanta. Officers surrounded the property before discovering Groves hiding in a crawl space beneath the floorboards.

Authorities confirmed that he was alone at the time of his arrest. He was transported to a secure facility in Georgia and is expected to be extradited to Louisiana, where he will face additional charges for the jailbreak.

Violent Past and Criminal History

Groves had been serving a life sentence for second-degree murder following his conviction in a 2024 Mardi Gras block party shooting that killed two people and injured several others. Prosecutors described him as a “cold-blooded killer” with a long record of violent offenses, including attempted murder and weapons violations.

During his time on the run, officials expressed concern that Groves might target witnesses from his trial. The U.S. Marshals Service and the FBI coordinated with local law enforcement to track potential sightings and safeguard individuals who testified against him.

Inside Help and Ongoing Investigation

Investigators have determined that Groves received assistance during both his escape and time on the run. Among those charged in connection with the jailbreak is his girlfriend, Darriana Burton, who remains in custody on a $2.5 million bond. A former Orleans Parish jail employee has also been charged for allegedly providing inside information that helped the escapees plan their breakout.

The May jailbreak triggered a massive internal investigation into security failures at the Orleans Parish Justice Center. Officials later discovered malfunctioning cameras, unmonitored hallways, and communication breakdowns that allowed the inmates to escape undetected for several hours.

Community Reaction and Future Reforms

Groves’ capture has been welcomed by local residents and law enforcement officials who had been under pressure to deliver results. The incident has prompted renewed calls for prison reform, improved surveillance, and increased accountability among correctional staff in Louisiana.

City officials have pledged to review and upgrade infrastructure at the facility to prevent future incidents. Meanwhile, advocacy groups have urged transparency in the investigation, arguing that systemic neglect allowed the jailbreak to happen in the first place.

With Derrick Groves now in custody, authorities have confirmed that all ten inmates involved in the May escape are accounted for—ending one of the most dramatic jailbreak stories in recent U.S. history.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who is Derrick Groves?

Derrick Groves is a 31-year-old convicted murderer from New Orleans who escaped from the Orleans Parish Justice Center in May 2025 and was captured in Atlanta five months later.

Q2: How was Derrick Groves caught?

He was found hiding in a crawl space inside a home in southwest Atlanta during a coordinated law enforcement operation involving local police and federal marshals.

Q3: What was Derrick Groves convicted of?

He was serving a life sentence for a 2024 Mardi Gras shooting that killed two people and injured several others.

Q4: Did anyone help Groves escape?

Yes, investigators believe he received help from his girlfriend and a former jail employee who provided inside information about the facility’s layout and security gaps.

Q5: What happens next for Groves?

He will be extradited to Louisiana, where he will face additional charges related to his escape and possible obstruction of justice.

References

Associated Press. (2025). “Last of the 10 New Orleans jail escapees from May is captured in Georgia, authorities say.” October 8, 2025.

Reuters. (2025). “Fugitive from New Orleans jailbreak caught after months-long manhunt.” October 8, 2025.

BBC News. (2025). “Escaped New Orleans inmate Derrick Groves arrested in Atlanta.” October 8, 2025.