Three weeks later, two Orleans Parish jail escapees remain on the loose

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The hunt for Derrick Groves and Antoine Massey is entering its fourth week after they allegedly escaped from the Orleans Parish Justice Center, and new developments are still coming almost daily.

Earlier this week, a home in the Fairgrounds neighborhood was raided after two videos surfaced online with Massey proclaiming his innocence.

However, Groves hasn’t been seen since the night of the escape, when he was reportedly caught on video walking down an alley on Baron Street.

“Massey appears to be, emboldened, almost taunting law enforcement and the community that that’s in search for him, whereas Derek Groves has been as far as we know, he’s been very quiet and is flying under the radar,” said CEO of New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation Melanie Talia.

Deputy U.S. Marshal Brian Fair agrees, saying Groves appears to be lying low. As for Massey, Fair thinks the videos, and a photograph found on social media just yesterday could be a strategic move.

“I think he’s trying to throw his case out, that he’s innocent of the charges. Could he be pretending to be somewhere else? Yeah, absolutely. We don’t know that for a fact. Could be trying to throw us off like ‘I am in Houston’ while he’s still here or wherever he is,” said Fair.

Legal analyst Barry Ranshi says the photo and videos could backfire in court for Massey.

“Can’t imagine a scenario with that type of information that he is posting on the run, acknowledging that he left the facility, that it would help. The prosecutors will have to authenticate the evidence, assuming that they’re able to meet that threshold, that would be evidence,” said Ranshi.

And while the search continues, authorities are also not ruling out that both men may have altered their appearances.

“Mr. Massey does have the tattoos. Mr. Groves is a very tall man, and he has a very long stride. Swings his arms when he walks. So there are things about these two individuals that we all need to really commit to memory,” said Talia.

Talia reminds the public to be smart but also safe. If you see either Massey or Groves, or know where they are, do not approach them. Instead, call the police or Crimestoppers. A reward of $50,000 is being offered for information that leads to either man’s arrest.

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