Five Inmates Remain at Large After New Orleans Prison Break
Background: How the Escape Happened
On May 16, 2025, ten inmates broke out of the Orleans Justice Center in New Orleans in a shocking jailbreak that has sparked national attention. The group exploited a plumbing access point behind a sink-toilet unit, creating a hole in the wall that led to a crawl space. From there, they accessed an unsecured area of the prison and scaled a perimeter fence topped with barbed wire before fleeing on foot across Interstate 10.
Delayed Discovery
Shockingly, the escape went unnoticed until the next morning during a routine 8:30 a.m. headcount, giving the inmates nearly 12 hours to disappear into the city. This delay in response has fueled criticism of the jail’s security protocols and internal oversight.
Who Are the Remaining Escapees?
- Derrick “Woo” Groves
Age: 27
Charges: Convicted of two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder
Status: Considered extremely dangerous
Family members, including his aunt, have publicly pleaded for his peaceful surrender.
- Antoine Massey
History of multiple arrests, including domestic abuse and vehicle theft
Known for previous escape attempts dating as far back as 2007
- Lenton Vanburen
Accused in a 2021 homicide in New Orleans East
Awaiting trial at the time of escape
- Jermaine Donald
Charges include attempted second-degree murder, battery, and weapons violations
Described by authorities as unpredictable and armed
- Leo Tate
Facing charges of second-degree murder
Described as highly dangerous with prior gang affiliations
Five Inmates Recaptured So Far
Latest Arrest: Corey Boyd
On May 20, Corey Boyd was arrested and taken back into custody, becoming the fifth escapee to be captured. He was found hiding in a vacant house in New Orleans East after days on the run.
The other four inmates previously recaptured include:
Kenneth Johnson
Marcus Ballard
Nathaniel Harris
Royce Thomas
Inside Job? Jail Worker Arrested
A 33-year-old maintenance worker, Sterling Williams, has been arrested in connection with the escape. Williams is accused of helping the inmates bypass security and has been charged with:
10 counts of principal to simple escape
Malfeasance in office
He reportedly told investigators that he was coerced by threats of violence. Meanwhile, three jail employees have been suspended without pay pending further investigation into their roles in the incident.
$100,000 in Rewards Offered
Authorities have announced a $20,000 reward for information leading to the capture of each of the five remaining fugitives. The public is urged to report any sightings or tips directly to law enforcement.
Public and Political Outcry
Sheriff Labels Escape “Absolutely Unacceptable”
Sheriff Susan Hutson has come under scrutiny for security failures and inadequate response. In a press briefing, she described the incident as “absolutely unacceptable” and promised a full internal review of jail operations.
Federal Oversight Demanded
Several local lawmakers are calling for federal intervention and a review of jail infrastructure, citing long-standing safety concerns at the facility.
What’s Next?
Authorities continue to coordinate a multi-agency manhunt across state lines, with help from U.S. Marshals, the FBI, and local law enforcement. As of today, Derrick Groves and four others remain at large. Law enforcement warns the public not to approach them under any circumstances.
