Aunt Begs Escaped Murderer to Surrender as New Orleans Jail Manhunt Exposes Systemic Failures

In a desperate plea, Jasmine Groves, aunt of convicted murderer Derrick Groves, is urging her nephew to surrender as the manhunt for five escaped inmates from New Orleans’ Orleans Justice Center intensifies. Derrick, already serving two life sentences for second-degree murder committed on Mardi Gras Day 2024, escaped on May 16 alongside nine others, five of whom have been recaptured.

Jasmine expressed deep concern for her nephew’s safety, noting he’s been stabbed three times while incarcerated and blaming the jail’s understaffing for the breakout. I’m praying he’s protected, and I hope they don’t try to kill him, she told local media, adding that the family felt safer when Derrick was housed at Angola’s Louisiana State Penitentiary.

The escape has exposed glaring issues at the Orleans Justice Center, operating at just 60% staffing with only four supervisors and 36 staff overseeing 1,400 inmates. Sheriff Susan Hutson, taking accountability, has suspended her re-election campaign to focus on security reforms, stating, I cannot put politics over public safety. The investigation has already led to the arrest of a jail worker and two civilians accused of aiding the escapees.

Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams voiced unease, learning of Derrick’s involvement through media reports. The remaining escapees, some facing violent crime charges, are being pursued by over 200 law enforcement officers, including FBI and U.S. Marshals, with rewards up to $7,000 offered for information leading to their capture.

The incident has sparked criticism of the jail’s management, with Louisiana’s governor slamming progressive promises that failed to prevent the breach. As the search continues, the city grapples with questions of accountability and public safety.