Appeal from Derrick Groves’ Aunt for His Surrender

The aunt of Derrick Groves, one of the remaining escaped inmates from Orleans Parish prison, is urging him to turn himself in for his own safety. Last October, a New Orleans judge was convicted of multiple murder charges after the fatal shooting of two men during Mardi Gras in 2024.

Groves, who had already been sentenced to two life terms for his role in the Mardi Gras incident, managed to escape the Orleans Judicial Center on May 16, along with nine other inmates. His aunt, Jasmine Groves, has voiced her concern and plea for him to surrender.

“I pray to the Lord that he is safe, and that no harm comes to him,” she expressed. Jasmine also mentioned that her nephew had previously been attacked in prison, noting that proper security measures could have possibly prevented the escape.

She disclosed to a local news outlet that the family felt more secure when placed in the Louisiana State Prison in Angola, remarking, “The conditions at Orleans Parish Prison are really troubling.”

Concerns were echoed by Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams, who noted his apprehension about Groves’s involvement in the escape, stating he learned about it through media reports.

Amid ongoing investigations, Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson has issued a statement taking full responsibility for the escape and noted significant manpower issues in the facility. Reports reveal that the prison was understaffed, with only four supervisors overseeing 1,400 inmates at the time of the escape.

As the investigation unfolds, several individuals have been arrested, including a prison employee, accused of aiding the inmates in their escape. Sheriff Hutson has temporarily paused her reelection campaign to focus on ensuring safety and security in the prison system.

Several fugitives remain at large, and authorities are actively searching for them with the help of over 200 law enforcement officials. The violent history of these individuals has raised significant concerns in the community.

Currently, the five escapees still at large include Derrick Groves and others with serious charges, such as second-degree murder and illegal firearm possession. The FBI has put out a reward for information leading to their capture.