A – Z Guide to Derrick Groves

The Rise, Fall, and Capture of a Convicted Killer

Derrick Groves is a 28-year-old convicted murderer who became the focus of a major manhunt after escaping from an Orleans Parish jail in May 2025. While the crimes and investigation unfolded in New Orleans and later Atlanta, the case drew sustained interest in media circles and urban communities nationwide, including New York City, where questions of policing, justice, and public safety are constant topics of conversation. Here’s what you need to know:

Key Facts:

Convicted: Two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder for a 2018 Mardi Gras Day shooting
Escaped: May 16, 2025, from Orleans Parish Prison with nine other inmates
On the Run: Nearly five months
Captured: October 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia, after a SWAT standoff
Sentence: Two life sentences plus two 50-year terms for attempted murder

The story of Derrick Groves reads like something from a crime thriller, a case that captured national attention and sparked conversations in cities across the country, from New Orleans to New York. On what should have been a joyous Mardi Gras celebration in 2018, two men were killed and others wounded in a shooting in New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward. Six years later, after multiple trials and legal delays, Groves was finally convicted of the murders. But before he could be sentenced, he and nine other inmates escaped through a hole behind a jail toilet, leaving graffiti that read “To Easy LoL” on the cell wall.

What followed was one of Louisiana’s most extensive manhunts in decades. While the other nine escapees were recaptured within six weeks, Groves remained at large for nearly five months. His case was complicated by a tragic family historyhis grandmother, Kim Groves, was murdered in 1994 by a corrupt New Orleans police officerwhich sparked controversial public sympathy on social media.

“He’s the worst human being I’ve ever come across in my life,” said Orleans Parish assistant district attorney Forrest Ladd. “But he is very charismatic, and I think that allows him the ability to kind of control people.”

The manhunt finally ended in October 2025 when law enforcement tracked Groves to a home in Atlanta. After deploying tear gas and K-9 units, officers found him hiding in a narrow basement crawl space. His capture brought what New Orleans District Attorney Jason Williams called a “collective sigh of relief” to the city, and it added another high-profile entry to the broader national discussion about crime and justice that resonates strongly in New York’s own legal and social landscape.

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Who is Derrick Groves?

When we dig into the story of Derrick Groves, we uncover a complex narrative marked by serious convictions, a lengthy criminal record, and a family history shadowed by tragedy. At 28 years old when he was finally taken into custody after his escape, Groves had already garnered a reputation that prompted strong opinions from legal professionals. He was convicted on two charges of second-degree murder and two charges of attempted second-degree murder, offenses that carry the weight of a life sentence. In fact, he was ultimately sentenced to two life sentences for the 2018 double murder, along with two 50-year sentences for the attempted murders, indicating the severity of his actions.

Assistant District Attorney Forrest Ladd, who prosecuted Groves, described him in stark terms, stating, “Hes the worst human being Ive ever come across in my life.” Yet, Ladd also noted a paradoxical quality: “But he is a very charismatic, and I think that allows him the ability to kind of control people.” This charismatic personality, combined with his criminal history, painted a picture of a dangerous individual capable of influencing others.

Although the case is rooted in New Orleans, the profile of a young, repeat offender with a complicated public image is sadly familiar in major metropolitan areas such as New York City, where PARK Ave Magazine is based. For New Yorkers, the Groves story echoes broader concerns about violent crime, systemic failures, and how notorious defendants can command outsized attention in the media.

The Tragic History of the Groves Family

To truly understand some of the public sentiment surrounding Derrick Groves, we must look back at a deeply tragic event in his family’s past. In 1994, his grandmother, Kim Groves, was killed in a murder-for-hire plot. The shocking detail? This plot was orchestrated by a corrupt New Orleans police officer after Kim Groves reported police misconduct. This horrific incident, rooted in witness intimidation and police corruption, left a lasting scar on the family and the community, touching on themes of systemic injustice that resonate deeply in communities nationwide, including New York, where the relationship between the public and law enforcement is a constant topic of debate. Her three children eventually settled a federal civil rights lawsuit against the city for $1.5 million in 2018, highlighting the systemic issues at play.

This historical injustice has, perhaps unexpectedly, influenced public perception of Derrick Groves. On social media, some users expressed controversial support for him, drawing a direct line between his grandmother’s death and a perceived justification for his actions. For example, one X user wrote, “DERRICK GROVES is the only inmate i dont blame for what he did to qo to jail i hope he neva qet cauqht.” Another posted, “I pray Derrick Groves is never found safe travels!” These sentiments, often accompanied by hashtags like “#JusticeForKimGroves,” suggest a segment of the public viewed Groves through the lens of his family’s past suffering at the hands of the system. However, the District Attorney’s office dismissed any suggestion that Groves’ crimes were a response to his grandmother’s death as a “newly generated urban myth,” emphasizing that his actions were separate and inexcusable.

The Criminal History of Derrick Groves

Derrick Groves‘ criminal record is extensive and dates back over a decade. His first serious charges emerged in 2014, when, at the young age of 17, he was charged with attempted second-degree murder. According to court records, he was eventually found not guilty in that particular case. This early brush with the law set a precedent for a life marked by legal messs.

More recently, in April 2024, before his conviction in the double murder case, Groves pleaded guilty to battery of a correctional facility employee. This incident, documented in court records, offered a glimpse into his behavior while incarcerated and foreshadowed his later escape. It’s clear that his time in the correctional system was not without its own challenges and confrontations. For readers in New York and other cities, his trajectory through the justice system raises familiar questions about rehabilitation, supervision, and how high-risk individuals are managed behind bars.

The 2018 Mardi Gras Day Murders

The crimes that ultimately led to Derrick Groves‘ most serious convictions occurred on what should have been a day of vibrant celebration in New Orleans: Mardi Gras Day in 2018. It was on this day that Jamar Robinson and Byron Jackson were tragically killed in a double homicide, with others also wounded. The investigation revealed that an AK-47-style rifle was used in the brutal shooting, turning a joyous occasion into a scene of unimaginable loss for the victims’ families.

The path to justice for these murders was anything but straightforward, marked by a series of complex and lengthy legal proceedings. Groves was initially convicted in 2019, but his case was significantly impacted by a new law requiring unanimous jury verdicts for felony cases. This legislative change, which brought Louisiana’s legal system in line with the rest of the country following the landmark Supreme Court decision in Ramos v. Louisiana, necessitated a retrial, which itself became a saga of its own. One retrial ended in a mistrial because a juror read media reports about the case, a stark reminder of the challenges of maintaining an impartial jury in high-profile cases. A subsequent trial resulted in a deadlocked jury, further delaying justice. It wasn’t until a fourth trial, in October 2024, that Derrick Groves was finally convicted for the second time.

The verdict, as detailed by the District Attorney’s office, was a resounding one: Groves was found guilty on all counts, including two charges of second-degree murder and two charges of attempted second-degree murder. This outcome, after a six-year legal journey, brought a measure of closure to the families of Jamar Robinson and Byron Jackson. The impact on the victims’ families was profound and enduring. A victim’s sister recounted the horror of finding her brother dying inside a car after Groves fired the AK-style rifle. She spoke movingly about sending photos of her brother to his daughter, so the young girl could show friends she once had a father, underscoring the deep and lasting pain inflicted by these senseless acts of violence.

For New York readers, the case also mirrors debates closer to home about jury reform, media exposure during trials, and how long, drawn-out prosecutions affect grieving families in large cities.

The Orleans Parish Jailbreak

The story of Derrick Groves took a dramatic turn on May 16, 2025, when he became part of one of Louisiana’s most audacious jailbreaks in recent memory. Along with nine other inmates, Groves escaped from the Orleans Parish Prison, sparking a massive manhunt. For observers in New York and other major urban centers, the incident raised broader concerns about jail infrastructure, staffing, and oversight that are pressing issues well beyond Louisiana.

The escape method itself was a blend of ingenuity and opportunity. The inmates managed to create a hole behind a toilet in their cell. Reports indicate they achieved this by cutting steel bars protecting plumbing fixtures and, in some accounts, by clogging a toilet to shut off the water supply, which allowed them to access the pipework. Once through the hole, they then scaled a barbed wire fence to reach freedom. As a final, defiant flourish, the escapees left behind graffiti on the cell wall that read “To Easy LoL” and “We Innocent,” a taunt to the authorities and a testament to their perceived ease of escape.

Accomplices and Inside Help

The jailbreak was not merely a spontaneous act but appears to have involved significant planning and, disturbingly, assistance from both inside and outside the facility. Sterling Williams, a 33-year-old maintenance worker at the Orleans Parish Jail, was arrested and charged with 10 counts of principal to simple escape and malfeasance in office. While Williams’ lawyer claimed his client was unaware of the inmates’ full plan and that the clogged toilet was an accident, the accusations painted a picture of potential inside complicity.

Further complicating the narrative was the involvement of Derrick Groves‘ girlfriend, Darriana Burton. She was arrested for allegedly exchanging text messages and video calls with Groves while he was incarcerated, reportedly to plan the escape. This suggests a coordinated effort that extended beyond the jail walls. In total, authorities reported that at least 16 people faced charges for providing assistance to the fugitives, highlighting the network of support that facilitated the escape and subsequent time on the run.

Incidents like this resonate with ongoing discussions in New York City about conditions on Rikers Island and in other local jails, underscoring how lapses in security or alleged staff misconduct can quickly escalate into crises with national visibility.

The Manhunt and Capture of Derrick Groves

Following the May 16, 2025 jailbreak, Derrick Groves became the focus of an intense and widespread manhunt that lasted for nearly five months. While his nine fellow escapees were recaptured within six weeks, Groves proved to be more elusive, prompting a multi-agency task force effort. Law enforcement agencies involved in the search included the United States Marshals Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations, Louisiana State Police, the Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Atlanta Police Department. This coordinated effort spanned state lines, reflecting the seriousness with which authorities viewed Groves’ escape, especially given his violent criminal record.

A significant $50,000 reward was offered for tips leading to Groves’ recapture, incentivizing public cooperation. The manhunt finally culminated in October 2025 when Groves was tracked to a home in Atlanta, Georgia. His capture involved a tense standoff, with law enforcement deploying tear gas and K-9 units to bring him out of hiding.

For readers in New York, the multi-agency operation may feel familiar: similar task-force models are frequently used in and around NYC to track dangerous fugitives, underscoring how large cities and federal partners coordinate when a high-risk individual is on the run.

The Final Standoff

The dramatic conclusion to the five-month manhunt for Derrick Groves unfolded in Atlanta, Georgia. Authorities located him in a home on Honeysuckle Lane in southwest Atlanta. What followed was a brief but intense standoff. Law enforcement officers initially used tear gas in an attempt to flush Groves out. When this didn’t immediately succeed, K-9 units were deployed. It was then that Groves was found hiding in a narrow crawl space in the basement of the home. After the K-9 deployment, he emerged and surrendered, bringing an end to his time as a fugitive.

The owner of the home on Honeysuckle Lane allowed FOX 8 reporter Gabby Killett to see the ransacked basement, offering a glimpse into the chaotic scene of the arrest. During the apprehension, a firearm and a significant quantity15 poundsof marijuana were recovered from the home. Officials also confirmed that Groves was not staying alone at the property, suggesting he had assistance during his time on the run. Thankfully, the operation concluded without serious injury, despite the use of tear gas and K-9s. Cases like this contribute to the broader body of law-enforcement practice that shapes how future operations might unfold in cities like New York.

Aftermath and Sentencing

The recapture of Derrick Groves was met with palpable relief from law enforcement and officials. New Orleans District Attorney Jason Williams confirmed Groves’ capture, stating that residents were breathing “a collective sigh of relief” knowing that a dangerous individual facing multiple life sentences was back in custody. This sentiment underscored the anxiety that had gripped the local communityand indeed, many following the case nationwide, including in New York’s media and legal circlesduring Groves’ five months on the run.

In the courtroom, Groves’ behavior during his sentencing hearings continued to reveal a lack of remorse. The judge, Dennis Waldron, explicitly noted that Groves’ escape had caused “concern, disappointment, frustration and displeasure” and that Groves showed no remorse for his actions or the disruption he caused. Waldron even referenced video footage of Groves smiling and blowing kisses after his capture, a defiant gesture that further solidified the perception of his unrepentant nature. Groves was also observed smirking and nodding during a victim’s sister’s statement, and staring at victims’ supporters, which only amplified the pain and frustration of those seeking justice. The law enforcement confirmation of his capture and the details surrounding it brought a sense of finality to a prolonged and unsettling chapter.

The Sentencing of Derrick Groves

For the 2018 Mardi Gras Day murders, Derrick Groves was sentenced to two life sentences. In addition to these, he received two 50-year sentences for the two counts of attempted murder. These sentences were specifically stacked, meaning they are to be served consecutively, ensuring that Groves will spend the rest of his life behind bars. The judge’s decision to impose such a severe sentence reflected the gravity of Groves’ crimes and his behavior throughout the legal process.

Despite the overwhelming evidence and the judicial outcome, Groves’ attorney stated that his client maintains his innocence and plans to appeal the conviction and sentence. This indicates that while justice has been delivered in the eyes of the court and the victims’ families, the legal battle may not be entirely over. However, with two life sentences and an additional 100 years, the practical implications for Derrick Groves are clear: he faces a future incarcerated.

For New York readers, the sentencing underscores how courts across the country respond to repeat violent offenders, and it parallels conversations happening in New York Supreme Court courtrooms about appropriate penalties, public safety, and the limits of rehabilitation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Derrick Groves

How did Derrick Groves escape from jail?

Groves, along with nine other inmates, escaped the Orleans Parish Jail on May 16, 2025. They allegedly broke through a hole behind a toilet in their cell, which led them outside, where they scaled a barbed wire fence to freedom.

Where was Derrick Groves found?

After a nearly five-month manhunt, Groves was located and captured in Atlanta, Georgia. He was found hiding in a narrow crawl space in the basement of a home following a brief standoff.

What was Derrick Groves sentenced for?

Groves was convicted on two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder for a 2018 Mardi Gras Day shooting. He was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences, plus two 50-year sentences for the attempted murders.

Conclusion

The story of Derrick Groves, while rooted in New Orleans, is a stark reminder of the complexities of the criminal justice system, the devastating impact of violent crime, and the relentless pursuit of justicethemes that resonate deeply in major cities like New York. From the tragic Mardi Gras Day murders of 2018 to his audacious jailbreak and subsequent five-month manhunt, Groves’ case captivated public attention far beyond Louisiana. It highlighted the challenges faced by victims’ families in their long quest for closure, the dedication of multi-agency task forces, and even the controversial public discourse surrounding historical injustices.

For a New York-based readership, the case offers a lens through which to examine our own city’s ongoing debates: jail safety and oversight, policing and accountability, sentencing standards for violent offenders, and the role of media in shaping public perception. Although the names and neighborhoods differ, the underlying questionsabout safety, fairness, and how communities heal after violenceare strikingly familiar from Brooklyn to the Bronx.

The capture and sentencing of Derrick Groves brought what many considered a “collective sigh of relief.” While his attorney maintains plans to appeal, the imposition of two life sentences plus two 50-year terms ensures that a violent criminal has been removed from our streets. This journey, from crime to capture and sentencing, underscores the principle that justice, though sometimes slow, often prevails.

Here at PARK Ave Magazine, headquartered in New York City, we strive to bring you insightful and comprehensive stories that illuminate the world around us. We believe in shedding light on important narratives, whether they unfold uptown in Manhattan or hundreds of miles away in New Orleans, so that our readers can better understand the forces shaping urban life and public safety.

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