Louisiana Fugitive Captured After Six-Week Manhunt
In Louisiana, law enforcement agencies successfully captured one of the ten men who escaped from a New Orleans jail about six weeks ago. Antoine Massey, 33, was apprehended at a home approximately two miles from the facility where he had previously been held. New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick confirmed the arrest, stating, “He actually walked out of a home peacefully.”
The capture occurred thanks to a tip received that morning, which prompted local law enforcement to spring into action. By mid-afternoon, Massey was taken into custody without incident, a cooperative surrender that highlighted the effective teamwork among various law enforcement agencies. "Great work by all our law enforcement partners who have been working so hard for this outcome,” noted Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill after the arrest.
Despite Massey’s peaceful surrender, the circumstances of his escape raised questions about security measures within the jail. Authorities noted that remaining at large for such an extended period likely meant that Massey had received assistance. Following a previous investigation into his social media posts, police had raided a New Orleans home earlier this month in search of his whereabouts, but he was not found at that time.
This prison break was one of the largest of its kind in recent U.S. history. On May 16, the escapees managed to pry open a faulty cell door, navigate through a hole behind a toilet, and scale a barbed-wire fence to flee under cover of darkness. The jail’s failure to detect their absence until a morning headcount raised significant concerns about its overall security.
In an intriguing twist, the escapees were not shy about taunting authorities. They left behind a message drawn around the hole they used to escape, with an arrow pointing toward it and the words “To Easy LoL.” In addition to Massey, eight other escapees had been captured in the weeks following the breakout, but one, convicted murderer Derrick Groves, remains at large. Police have offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to Groves’ recapture.
Massey faces multiple serious charges, including rape, kidnapping, and domestic violence, among others. Following his escape, authorities indicated that he would face additional charges related to his involvement in the jail break.
Moreover, a maintenance worker at the jail was arrested for allegedly aiding in the escape. His lawyer claims he did not knowingly facilitate the inmates’ getaway. The need for a thorough review of procedures at the jail has gained traction, with many calling for increased accountability and improvements to enhance security.
Additionally, a woman reportedly linked to Massey was arrested for obstruction of justice, as she was believed to have had prior knowledge of the escape plans and misled authorities afterward.
As Louisiana continues its efforts to tighten prison regulations, the recent events underline the delicate balance between public safety and ensuring the rights of individuals. The ongoing search for Derrick Groves serves as a reminder of the work that still lies ahead for law enforcement as they strive to uphold justice and maintain peace within society. With the successful capture of Massey, authorities can begin to piece together what led to this daring escape and ensure the safety of the community.
