Antoine Massey, one of the inmates who escaped from the Orleans Parish Jail in a dramatic jailbreak on May 16th, has been recaptured. The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) confirmed Massey's arrest on Friday afternoon in the Hollygrove neighborhood, bringing an end to a month-long manhunt that captivated and concerned the city.
Massey was among ten inmates who broke free from the Orleans Justice Center (OJC) last month. His recapture leaves only one escapee, Derrick Groves, still at large. Groves is a convicted murderer, making his apprehension a top priority for law enforcement.
A Checkered Past: Massey's History of Escapes
Massey's escape from OJC wasn't his first brush with freedom outside the confines of the law. His history of escaping custody dates back to 2007 when he fled a juvenile detention center, now known as the Juvenile Justice Intervention Center. In 2019, he escaped the Morehouse Parish Detention Center, only to be apprehended the same day in Texas. He also gained notoriety for cutting off two ankle monitors, one of which occurred in 2023 inside a Walmart on Bullard Avenue. This incident prompted strong reactions from ASAP Ankle Monitoring officials.
"When you cut an ankle monitor off, it's a clear case of guilt," stated Matt Dennis with ASAP. "We know who we put it on. We know he took it off. There's no in between."
Social Media and the Search for Massey
The search for Massey took an interesting turn with the emergence of videos posted on social media. Law enforcement officials confirmed that they raided a home in the 1700 block of Agriculture Street after receiving a tip that it was the location where Massey recorded the now-viral videos. While Massey wasn't present during the raid, officials did find belongings believed to have been worn by him in the videos.
In the videos, Massey claimed innocence and alleged that he was "let out" of OJC. WDSU, a local news station, chose not to broadcast these specific claims. The videos circulated online for at least ten hours before WDSU alerted law enforcement, aiding in their investigation. Some agencies were reportedly unaware of the videos until WDSU brought them to their attention.
The Ongoing Search for Derrick Groves
While Massey's recapture is a significant victory for law enforcement, the search for Derrick Groves continues. Groves, convicted of murder, is considered a serious threat to public safety. Former New Orleans Police Superintendent Ronal Serpas emphasized the ongoing commitment to finding Groves, stating, "It's not ever the case that they stop looking for people like this. They will keep looking."
Serpas also highlighted the diligent work of law enforcement behind the scenes, even when the story fades from the headlines. "The activities of their search are probably going on every single day, but generally in this type of event, until the news breaks that they have been caught, it's probably not going to get as much attention publicly. It's certainly not to suggest that in the law enforcement community, they are not actively looking for these guys. I suspect that they are and will continue until they find them."
Large Police Presence in Seventh Ward
Prior to Massey's capture, police activity was focused in the Seventh Ward, with officers swarming a home on Annette Street following a tip. The search involved U.S. Marshals, the NOPD, and potentially State Police. While Massey wasn't found at that location, the intense police presence underscored the seriousness of the manhunt. The reward for information leading to the arrest of each inmate remains at $50,000.
What's Next?
With Antoine Massey back in custody, the focus now shifts entirely to the apprehension of Derrick Groves. The NOPD and other law enforcement agencies are continuing to investigate leads and utilizing all available resources to bring Groves to justice. The public is urged to report any information that may assist in his capture.