Ten days after a daring escape from the Orleans Justice Middle rocked New Orleans, two fugitives stay at massive — considered one of whom carries a legacy of one of many metropolis’s darkest chapters. Among the many remaining escapees is 27-year-old Derrick Groves, the grandson of Kim Groves, a lady whose 1994 assassination was ordered by a corrupt New Orleans police officer.
Groves, who was awaiting sentencing for a number of murder convictions, is the topic of an intense manhunt involving native, state, and federal legislation enforcement. He and fellow fugitive Antoine Massey at the moment are the one two fugitives nonetheless lacking after the Could 16 mass escape involving ten detainees.
A Household Marked by Tragedy
Derrick Groves’ identify has turn into tragically acquainted to town of New Orleans— not solely due to the violence he’s accused of, but in addition as a result of trauma embedded in his household historical past. His grandmother, Kim Groves, was fatally shot in entrance of her residence after reporting police misconduct. The hit was ordered by then-New Orleans Police Division officer Len Davis, whose callous celebratory telephone calls had been later performed in court docket. Davis was sentenced to loss of life within the federal system however had his sentence commuted to life with out parole earlier this yr. The shooter, Paul “Cool” Hardy, stays imprisoned.
Though Derrick was not but born when his grandmother was executed, these near the household say the trauma forged a protracted shadow over his upbringing. Gail Slack, a household buddy and neighborhood matriarch who helped increase Groves, recalled him as a candy baby who tutored her son and frolicked doing homework at her residence.
“A small baby listening to how his grandmother was killed by police — yeah, it had a giant think about him,” Slack advised WWL Louisiana. “However he’s nonetheless my Derrick. He’s nonetheless my child.”
From A Promising Childhood to Conviction
Regardless of early indicators of promise, Groves’ life spiraled into criminality. He was convicted in October 2024 on two counts of second-degree homicide, together with a 2018 double murder throughout Mardi Gras. He had pleaded responsible to 2 counts of manslaughter in separate circumstances. After two mistrials and a hung jury, his remaining conviction was reached simply months earlier than his anticipated sentencing this July.
His escape has intensified tensions citywide. District Lawyer Jason Williams confirmed that two prosecutors who labored on the Groves case have left the state for his or her security. In the meantime, the household of considered one of his victims has gone into hiding, fearing retaliation.
Groves’ aunt, Jasmine Groves, spoke publicly for the primary time this week, pleading together with her nephew to give up peacefully. She additionally expressed concern over heavy legislation enforcement presence close to members of the family’ houses, and the reported detainment of Groves’ mom by state police with out formal discover. U.S. Marshals confirmed the questioning, however declined to supply additional particulars.
A Infamous Co-Escapee
The second fugitive nonetheless on the run, Antoine Massey, has a decades-long historical past of escapes — from juvenile detention to grownup amenities and even digital monitoring. First escaping in 2007 as a juvenile, Massey most not too long ago minimize off an ankle monitor in 2023, disappearing for months. Authorities now consider Massey could have orchestrated the Could 16 escape by threatening a upkeep employee on the Orleans Justice Middle. That employee is now going through felony prices for allegedly aiding within the jailbreak.
The Ongoing Manhunt
Regulation enforcement businesses — together with the Louisiana State Police and FBI — proceed their pursuit of Groves and Massey. A $20,000 reward is being provided for info resulting in their arrests.
Because the manhunt enters its second week, a fancy portrait of Derrick Groves has emerged: a convicted killer formed by a legacy of state violence and neighborhood grief. For individuals who knew him earlier than the headlines, like Gail Slack, the hope stays that he’ll give up earlier than the story ends in additional bloodshed.
“Be protected and switch your self in,” she stated, her voice filled with fear. “I simply hope they don’t damage him.”
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