Investigators are urging the public to provide any information that could lead to the capture of Derrick Groves and Antoine Massey, two convicted murderers and experienced fugitives who escaped from a New Orleans jail 13 days ago and may be located anywhere in the United States.
Groves and Massey, along with eight other inmates, exploited infrastructural weaknesses and a reportedly inattentive employee to break out of the Orleans Justice Center on May 16th.
On Thursday, authorities announced a reward of $50,000 for information resulting in the arrest of either fugitive. The combined reward of $100,000 is being offered through a collaboration between Crimestoppers Greater New Orleans, the FBI, and other agencies. Colonel Robert Hodges, Superintendent of the Louisiana State Police, stated, “Sometimes, these dangerous fugitives travel outside our (state) borders. So we need everyone’s help. If you’re listening, and you’re in another state and you have a tip … please contact us.”
Darlene Cusanza, President and CEO of Crimestoppers Greater New Orleans, reported that over 700 tips have been received during the manhunt for the escaped inmates, leading to the arrests of three individuals. One arrest was made within 30 minutes of a tip being received.
Groves, 27, was convicted of two murder counts. Massey, 32, was charged with domestic abuse involving strangulation and theft of a motor vehicle. He has a history of escaping custody, beginning at the age of 15.
The extensive search for Groves and Massey has been described as challenging. Colonel Hodges stated, “We’re confident that we have strong investigative leads as to their whereabouts. But we still need the public’s help because as soon as we get one lead, then they relocate to another place – whether that’s a home or business or a public area.” He also noted that as more time passes, the fugitives have increased opportunities to obtain assistance and travel greater distances. Approximately a dozen suspected accomplices have already been apprehended, accused of aiding some of the ten escapees in evading capture.
Colonel Hodges appealed to any friends or relatives aware of the fugitives’ locations to make the difficult decision to report them, emphasizing the importance of preventing potential harm. He said, “You’re concerned about your loved one. I can’t imagine what it feels like to have to call the police and say, ‘My son is here. My brother is here. My cousin is here.’ But they are a risk … because they were already incarcerated for violent charges, and now they’ve escaped. And now they have a chance to come to court” peacefully.
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