In a significant development, Louisiana authorities have successfully apprehended one of the ten inmates who orchestrated a daring escape from the Orleans Justice Center.
The escape, which took place on May 16, has left one fugitive still at large. The Louisiana State Police confirmed that 33-year-old Antoine Massey was captured at a New Orleans residence. Following his arrest, Massey is set to be transferred to a state correctional facility located outside the immediate area, with the possibility of facing additional charges.
According to Straight Arrow News, Massey was initially charged with domestic abuse involving strangulation and theft of a motor vehicle. Furthermore, St. Tammany Parish officials have issued arrest warrants for Massey on charges of second-degree rape, second-degree kidnapping, domestic violence, and violation of a protective order, all linked to an incident in November 2024, as reported by WDSU.
The Louisiana State Police emphasized their commitment to locating the remaining fugitive, stating, "Law Enforcement personnel from various local, state and federal agencies will continue to work around the clock to locate the one remaining fugitive."
The escape itself was a brazen act, with the inmates exploiting a faulty cell door and squeezing through a hole behind a toilet before scaling a barbed-wire fence. Authorities discovered the escape during a morning headcount, hours after the inmates had fled. At the scene, an arrow and the words "To Easy LoL" were found, highlighting the audacity of the escapees.
The Associated Press reported that several individuals have been arrested for allegedly assisting the escapees, including a maintenance worker accused of turning off the water to the toilet where the hole was located. The maintenance worker's lawyer has denied any intentional involvement in aiding the escape.
During a press conference on June 27, Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson revealed that a tip received that morning led to Massey's arrest later in the day. New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick noted that Massey surrendered peacefully. Louisiana State Police Superintendent Robert Hodges remarked on the ongoing investigation into how Massey managed to remain at a residence just two miles from the jail, stating, "It's pretty obvious that to remain a fugitive that long, he had assistance, he had help."
The search continues for Derrick Groves, who was convicted in October 2024 for the murders of Jamar Robinson and Byron Jackson on Mardi Gras Day in 2018, as reported by WDSU. The escape has also brought to light several security lapses at the Orleans Parish Justice Center. NBC News highlighted that the sheriff has faced criticism for failing to meet federally mandated improvements at the jail, including regular security checks.
This incident underscores the need for stringent security measures and accountability within correctional facilities to prevent such breaches in the future. As the search for the remaining fugitive continues, authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to ensure public safety and uphold the rule of law.
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