Derrick Groves, Guilty of Four Murders, Escapes — that headline became a harsh reality on Friday, May 16, 2025, when the 27-year-old inmate broke out of the Orleans Justice Center in New Orleans. He was one of ten inmates who escaped that day, but his violent criminal background has made him the most feared among them. The escape has triggered widespread concern among authorities and the local community, prompting an urgent manhunt.
Gunmen found guilty of Mardi Gras 2018 double murder
Criminal Past of Derrick Groves Raises Alarm
Authorities confirm that Derrick Groves, Guilty of Four Murders, Escapes despite being held on high-security charges. Groves had previously been convicted of two second-degree murders from a Mardi Gras Day shooting in New Orleans’ Ninth Ward. He received two life sentences with no chance of parole. He later pleaded guilty to two separate manslaughter cases, including the fatal shooting of Woodrow Smith.
His violent history makes him the most dangerous of the escapees.
Groves’ Violent Past and Convictions
Groves has a long history of violent crimes. He was convicted of two second-degree murders after a deadly shooting during Mardi Gras in New Orleans’ Ninth Ward. As a result, he received two life sentences without the possibility of parole. Shortly after, Groves pleaded guilty to two manslaughter charges, one of which involved the killing of Woodrow Smith.
Concerns from Authorities and Social Media Evidence
District Attorney Jason Williams, who prosecuted Groves, highlighted the role of social media in the case. Groves allegedly posted videos and messages online, which included threats and references to his crimes. Williams expressed concern, admitting that he first learned about the escape through media reports. The news unsettled him, particularly as Groves was still awaiting sentencing on the manslaughter charges at the time of the escape.
Family Urges Groves to Surrender
Groves’ family, especially his aunt Jasmine Groves, has called for him to turn himself in. Jasmine emphasized that it would be the safest option for him. She revealed that Groves had been stabbed three times while in jail, citing the facility’s dangerous conditions. She also said the family felt much safer when he was housed at Angola Prison, known for its higher security.
“Imagine how bad things must be at OPP if we felt safer with him at Angola,” Jasmine said. “We are praying for his protection, and the safest thing he can do is surrender.”
The Ongoing Manhunt for Groves and Other Escapees
The manhunt for Derrick Groves, guilty of four murders, continues as authorities have recaptured four of the ten escapees. However, six—Groves included—remain at large. Law enforcement agencies, including state police, are still searching for the remaining escapees.
Federal authorities are also investigating whether someone inside the jail helped with the escape. A maintenance worker at the Orleans Justice Center has been arrested on suspicion of assisting the inmates.
The Search Continues for Groves and Other Escapees
As of now, authorities have recaptured four of the ten escapees, but six—including Groves—remain on the run. Law enforcement agencies, including state police, continue their search for the remaining inmates.
Additionally, federal authorities are investigating whether someone inside the jail assisted in the escape. A maintenance worker at the Orleans Justice Center has been arrested on suspicion of helping the inmates.
Conclusion
As the search for Derrick Groves, guilty of four murders, continues, authorities emphasize the danger he poses. His violent history makes him a significant threat to public safety. His family hopes that he will surrender soon and avoid any further violence.
The search for Groves and the other escapees continues. Given his violent history, Groves is considered a serious threat to public safety. While authorities work to recapture him, his family hopes that he will voluntarily surrender to avoid further violence and harm.
