The aunt of Derrick Groves, one of the five remaining Orleans Parish jail escapees, is calling on her nephew to turn himself in for his safety.
A jury in New Orleans last October found Groves guilty of two counts of second-degree murder for his involvement in the death of two individuals on Mardi Gras Day in 2024. He later admitted to two manslaughter charges in connection with two other deaths.
Currently serving two life sentences for the murders on Mardi Gras Day, Groves was in the process of awaiting sentencing for the manslaughter charges when he managed to escape from the Orleans Justice Center on May 16 along with nine other inmates. So far, five of the escapees have been recaptured.
His aunt, Jasmine Groves, is calling on him to turn himself in.
Three individuals have been implicated in assisting the inmates’ escape, namely jail staff member Sterling Williams, 33, as well as local residents Cortnie Harris, 32, and Corvanntay Baptiste, 38.
Sheriff Susan Hutson speaks during a City Council meeting following the escape of 10 inmates from the Orleans Parish Justice Center, at City Hall in New Orleans, Tuesday, May 20, 2025. (Sophia Germer /The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate)
Anyone found aiding an escapee will be charged as an accomplice, according to New Orleans authorities. The FBI is offering rewards of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of the escaped inmates. Crime Stoppers is also offering a $2,000 reward per inmate.
The five men who remain on the run are:
- Lenton J. Vanburen Jr., 26, faces charges of illegal carrying of weapons, possession of a firearm or weapon by a felon, obstruction of justice and introducing contraband in prison.
- Jermaine Donald, 42, faces charges of second-degree murder, aggravated battery, possession of a firearm or weapon by a felon and obstruction of justice.
- Antoine Massey, 32, faces charges of domestic abuse involving strangulation, theft of a motor vehicle and a parole violation.
- Derrick Groves, 27, faces three counts of attempted second-degree murder, two counts of second-degree murder and battery of a correctional facility employee.
- Leo O. Tate Sr., 31, faces charges of simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling, possession of a firearm or weapon by a felon, illegal carrying of a weapon, motor vehicle theft and multiple drug counts.
A violent offender warrant squad is searching for the escapees, along with the FBI and U.S. Marshals. More than 200 law enforcement officers are assisting with the search.
Fox News’ Alexandra Koch, Peter D’Abrosca and Adam Sabes contributed to this report.
