One of the last remaining escapees from last month’s jailbreak at the Orleans Justice Center has been taken into custody after more than six weeks on the run, authorities announced Friday.
Antoine Massey, 33, was arrested Friday evening at a home in New Orleans’ Third District after a citizen tip led law enforcement to the location, officials said. Massey surrendered peacefully after the residence was surrounded by officers, according to New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick.
“This arrest came thanks to strong cooperation between the community and our law enforcement partners,” said Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson. “Together, we made this happen.”
A photo released by Louisiana State Police showed Massey being taken into custody.
Investigation Ongoing Into Potential Help
Louisiana State Police Superintendent Col. Robert Hodges said Massey likely had assistance during his time on the run.
“It’s pretty obvious that, to remain a fugitive this long, he had help,” Hodges said. Authorities are now investigating whether anyone knowingly aided Massey during his six weeks in hiding.
There was initial speculation that the residence may have been an Airbnb, but state police later clarified that this has not been confirmed and is not currently part of the investigation. Airbnb also stated they found no listing on the block where Massey was arrested.
Viral Plea While on the Run
Earlier this month, a video circulated online that appeared to show Massey calling on celebrities and former President Donald Trump to help him while he was still evading authorities.
Massey will now be transferred to a secure state correctional facility outside the New Orleans area, according to Louisiana State Police. At the time of his escape, he was jailed on charges including domestic abuse battery by strangulation, motor vehicle theft, and a parole violation. Police say additional charges may follow.
One Inmate Still at Large
Massey was among 10 inmates who escaped the Orleans Justice Center on May 16 after crawling through a hole behind a toilet. Their absence went unnoticed for several hours, triggering a massive manhunt. Most of the escapees were captured within days, but one—Derrick Groves—remains at large.
“We still have one more,” said Chief Kirkpatrick. “Derrick Groves, we will find you. But you still have the option to turn yourself in peacefully.”
Groves, convicted of two counts of second-degree murder in a 2018 Mardi Gras shooting, faces life in prison without parole. He also pleaded guilty to two counts of manslaughter in an unrelated case.
Authorities believe Groves received help during the escape from his girlfriend, Darriana Burton, who was arrested earlier this month. According to her arrest affidavit, she was actively involved in planning the escape, helping coordinate communications between Groves and people on the outside.
Over a dozen others—including a jail maintenance worker and another inmate—have been arrested in connection to the escape. The maintenance worker is accused of disabling the water to a toilet, allowing the inmates to remove it and access an escape route.
Jail Security Upgrades Underway
In response to the jailbreak, Sheriff Hutson said her office is working to strengthen security at the Orleans Justice Center.
“We’re installing new razor wire, tightening physical barriers, and upgrading locking mechanisms,” Hutson said Friday. “These improvements are critical to ensuring the safety of our staff, residents, and the community.”
Authorities had offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to the capture of both Massey and Groves, labeling them “dangerous” fugitives.
As of now, the manhunt for Groves continues.
