Derrick Groves charges: What he faces after Atlanta capture

Derrick Groves, the last of 10 inmates who escaped from the Orleans Parish Justice Center in May, has been captured in Atlanta after nearly five months on the run. His arrest ends one of Louisiana’s most dramatic jailbreak stories and brings new legal challenges on top of his existing murder conviction.

U.S. Marshals confirmed Groves was found hiding inside a home in southwest Atlanta. A joint team including Atlanta Police and federal agents took him into custody without serious incident. His recapture closes a manhunt that spanned several states and kept residents on alert for months.

Derrick Groves charges and current legal status

Groves is already serving a life sentence for second-degree murder. He was convicted in 2024 for opening fire at a Mardi Gras block party in New Orleans, killing two people and wounding others. Louisiana law does not allow parole for this charge, meaning he was already set to remain behind bars for life.

On top of that conviction, Groves now faces a new charge of simple escape. Under Louisiana law, this carries an additional two to five years in prison, which would be added to his existing sentence. The nine other inmates who escaped with him were already charged with the same offense earlier this year.

Prosecutors are expected to bring Groves before an Orleans Parish judge once he is returned from Georgia. Formal booking and transfer procedures are expected to begin soon. His case will move forward in state court, where the escape charge will be added to his record.

The May 16 jailbreak and its aftermath

The escape happened on May 16, 2025, when Groves and nine others exploited a security gap inside the Orleans Parish jail. They broke through a wall behind a toilet and scaled a perimeter fence before vanishing overnight. The breach went undetected until a morning headcount, sparking heavy criticism of jail security and staffing.

Most of the escapees were caught within weeks, but Groves managed to stay ahead of law enforcement for nearly five months. His ability to evade capture highlighted weaknesses in coordination across state lines and led to questions about resources available for tracking violent fugitives.

Authorities have also charged people accused of helping Groves after his escape. His girlfriend, Darriana Burton, a former jail employee, was arrested in June and accused of aiding the breakout. She is awaiting trial and is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

What comes next for Groves and the jail system

Groves’ capture marks the end of the manhunt but not the legal fallout. The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office has promised security upgrades, including better cell checks and reinforced plumbing areas. Louisiana lawmakers have also pushed for an independent review of jail management and staffing issues that allowed the escape to happen.

With Groves back in custody, focus will shift to the courts and to potential reforms aimed at preventing future mass escapes. His case will likely serve as a reference point for strengthening oversight of high-risk inmates.

The arrest of Derrick Groves ends a months-long search but opens the next legal chapter. He remains convicted of murder and now faces additional prison time for the escape.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What charges does Derrick Groves face now?

He is serving life for second-degree murder and now faces a new simple-escape charge, which adds two to five years to his sentence.

Q2: Where was Groves captured?

He was found hiding in a house in southwest Atlanta and taken into custody by U.S. Marshals and Atlanta Police.

Q3: How did he escape the Orleans Parish jail?

Groves and others broke through a wall behind a toilet and scaled a fence. The breach was not noticed until the next morning.

Q4: Who else is facing charges?

His girlfriend, a former jail employee, has been charged with helping him escape. Other accomplices may face charges as the investigation continues.

Q5: What security changes are expected?

The Orleans Parish jail is expected to add reinforced infrastructure, better cell checks, and staffing improvements after the incident.

References

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

WVUE FOX 8. (2025). Derrick Groves, last of the escaped New Orleans inmates, has been captured, US Marshals say. Oct. 8, 2025.

Reuters. (2025). U.S. Marshals capture final fugitive from New Orleans mass jailbreak in Atlanta. Oct. 8, 2025.