The last fugitive from a dramatic jailbreak in New Orleans has been apprehended after nearly five months at large.

Derrick Groves, who escaped from the Orleans Justice Center in May, was taken into custody in Atlanta following a prolonged standoff, The Hill reported Wednesday. Louisiana State Police confirmed the 28-year-old convicted murderer's capture ended a multi-state manhunt.

Groves was one of 10 inmates who broke out of the facility on May 16 through a hole cut in a cell wall behind a toilet. He had been convicted of second-degree murder in 2024 and faced life imprisonment without parole.

SWAT Team Conducts Extended Search Operation

A SWAT team executed a search warrant and spent multiple hours attempting to locate Groves inside an Atlanta residence. Officers deployed gas repeatedly into the house and basement during the operation, Deputy U.S. Marshal Brian Fair stated.

The difficulty in locating Groves indicated his intent to remain concealed for an extended period. Fair noted that even a seasoned, well-trained SWAT team required considerable time to extract him from his hiding spot.

A police dog ultimately discovered Groves' location after other search methods proved unsuccessful. Atlanta police Deputy Chief Kelley Collier confirmed the canine unit's role in the apprehension.

Suspect Displayed Defiant Behavior During Arrest

Video footage from the Atlanta Police Department showed Groves being escorted to a police vehicle. The escapee appeared shirtless and shoeless, restrained with shackles on his wrists and ankles.

Groves blew a kiss and grinned at someone recording his arrest. His demeanor contrasted sharply with the seriousness of the charges he faces.

Authorities found Groves alone in the residence, and no additional arrests were made. The home is located in a neighborhood adjacent to Tyler Perry Studios, one of the nation's largest film production facilities.

Anonymous Tip Led to Capture

The information that led investigators to Groves came through New Orleans Crimestoppers, an anonymous tip program. Fair confirmed the tip's crucial role in ending the search for the final escapee.

The residence's garage door appeared collapsed inward Wednesday afternoon as law enforcement secured the scene. Officers and vehicles blocked access to the brick house situated on a sloping, tree-surrounded lawn.

Authorities had offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to Groves' recapture. He had the most violent criminal history among the 10 escapees.

Lessons to Learn

Stories like Derrick Groves’ escape and recapture remind us of the importance of personal and community safety, even as we acknowledge that crime can strike unpredictably. While we must never blame victims for the actions of others, there are proactive steps individuals can take to enhance their security. Here are a few lessons drawn from this case to consider:

1. Stay informed about local crime alerts—knowing about escapes or dangerous individuals in your area, like Groves, can help you remain vigilant.

2. Support and engage with community tip programs such as Crimestoppers, as anonymous information can be crucial in apprehending fugitives.

3. Advocate for stronger security measures in public institutions, as breaches like the one at Orleans Justice Center can have widespread consequences.

Why This Story Matters

The recapture of Derrick Groves is more than just the end of a manhunt; it’s a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in our justice system that allowed 10 inmates to escape. For the New Orleans community, this story hits close to home, as it involves a man convicted of a horrific crime during a cherished cultural event like Mardi Gras. It raises critical questions about how such breaches occur and what can be done to prevent them, ensuring public safety.

In conclusion, Derrick Groves’ journey from a convicted murderer to an escapee and finally a recaptured fugitive encapsulates a complex narrative of crime and justice. His escape on May 16, 2024, from the Orleans Justice Center through a cleverly crafted breach, his nearly five-month evasion, and his eventual arrest in Atlanta following a tense standoff highlight both the determination of law enforcement and the security gaps that must be addressed. As Groves faces additional charges and the other nine escapees remain in custody, this case serves as a call to action for stronger measures and community vigilance.