Capture of Prison Escapee in New Orleans
Louisiana officials announced on Friday that they apprehended one of the ten men who escaped from a New Orleans prison six weeks prior. This followed the circulation of a video on social media during the police activity in the area.
Antoine Massey, 33, was taken into custody at a residence in New Orleans, roughly two miles from the prison. New Orleans Police Department Chief Anne Kirkpatrick noted that Massey surrendered without resistance. “He actually left the house in peace,” she commented, appreciating his cooperation with law enforcement.
Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson mentioned that a tip received that morning prompted the immediate notification of other law enforcement agencies. Meanwhile, Louisiana State Police Principal Robert Hodges expressed that investigations are ongoing regarding how Massey managed to remain hidden in the house.
Hodges stated, “It’s pretty obvious that we’ll be keeping the fugitive for a long time over the past six weeks. He has had help and he has helped.” Recently, authorities had pursued leads from social media posts purportedly made by Massey, leading them to a home they suspected might have been involved in video recordings of him, though that search initially came up empty.
After Massey’s capture, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Maril commended the dedicated efforts of all law enforcement involved, exclaiming, “A great job!”
Authorities are still trying to locate Derrick Groves, a convicted murderer who remains at large. Prior to Massey’s capture, police had taken eight others into custody after the significant May 16 escape.
The incident revealed a hole in a New Orleans prison through which Massey escaped, notably after bypassing security measures. Authorities later discovered a message scrawled near the escape area that read “simple lol,” seemingly mocking the situation.
Massey is facing serious charges, including domestic violence related to rape and strangulation, along with additional charges stemming from his escape. Authorities have indicated that a prison maintenance worker has been arrested for allegedly aiding Massey during his escape by tampering with the plumbing.
The complexity of the situation is compounded by the fact that a female police officer, accused of having a prior relationship with Massey, was also arrested for obstruction of justice. It appears she had prior knowledge of his escape plans.
A reward of $50,000 remains on the table for anyone who might provide information leading to the capture of Groves.
