Following the mass jailbreak at the Orleans Justice Center, Louisiana authorities have taken significant steps to address the situation, resulting in the arrest of 14 individuals linked to the incident. While eight of the 10 escapees have been re-arrested, two fugitives—Antoine T. Massey, a domestic abuse suspect, and Derrick Groves, a four-time convicted killer—continue to evade capture. Attorney General Liz Murrill emphasized that the recapture of these dangerous individuals is a top priority, expressing absolute confidence in their eventual return to custody.
The escape, which occurred on May 16, involved inmates removing a toilet from a wall to create a passage, highlighting the vulnerabilities of the facility’s infrastructure. In the wake of the incident, authorities have arrested several individuals allegedly involved in aiding the escapees, including Massey’s sister, Daishanae Massey, and others such as Lenika Vanburen and Diamond White. These arrests have sparked discussions about the broader implications of the jailbreak, particularly regarding the conditions within the Orleans Justice Center, which has been criticized for its lack of staffing and deteriorating facilities.
Officials have also raised concerns about the potential for further breaches if systemic issues such as understaffing and deferred maintenance are not addressed. Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson, who has temporarily suspended her re-election campaign, has called for long-term investment in infrastructure upgrades and a commitment to improving prisoner treatment. The facility, which is only at 60% staffing capacity, faces additional challenges as it prepares for hurricane season, with reports of severe plumbing issues that have jeopardized the safety and well-being of inmates and staff alike.
The incident has drawn attention from multiple levels of law enforcement, including the FBI and U.S. Marshals, who are actively involved in the search for the remaining fugitives. Rewards have been offered for information leading to the arrest of the escapees, with the FBI providing up to $5,000 and Crime Stoppers offering $2,000 per inmate. The community has been urged to report any suspicious activity, as the authorities continue their efforts to bring the escaped inmates back into custody and ensure the security of the facility.