A double murderer and a repeat escapee have managed to evade capture for almost two weeks – leading authorities to believe the fugitives could be anywhere. As of early Wednesday, Antoine Massey and Derrick Groves were still on the run – 12 days after they and eight other inmates broke out of the Orleans Justice Center in New Orleans. The eight other fugitives have been caught – mostly in New Orleans. But two of the most recent arrests happened in Texas. Now, several states are involved in the manhunt for Massey and Groves. A glimmer of hope emerged Tuesday when someone reported a possible sighting of Massey around 8:30 a.m. in Natchez, Mississippi, Police Chief Cal Green said, according to CNN affiliate WDSU. Natchez is in Adams County, about 135 miles north of New Orleans. But that hope faded by Tuesday night. “We do not believe that the suspect is in our area,” Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten said, according to WDSU. “That’s not to say he wasn’t here, but we are saying he is not here now.” A fugitive who keeps breaking free Massey was most recently charged with vehicle theft and domestic abuse involving strangulation, Orleans Parish records reveal. But the 32-year-old has a long track record of escaping custody. In 2007, he broke out of a New Orleans juvenile detention center after being arrested on suspicion of armed robbery and aggravated assault, according to nola.com. A broken lock at the detention center allowed Massey, then 15, and five other juveniles to access metal shackles, which they used to shatter a window and escape, nola.com reported. Massey stayed on the run for more than two weeks before authorities found him on an interstate in east New Orleans. Massey has also cut off electronic ankle monitors twice, said Matt Dennis, an employee with the company that operates the monitors, according to WDSU. Court records from late 2023 say Massey had “tampered and/or removed the court-ordered GPS monitor.” Dennis said he was “astonished” that someone with Massey’s escape history was being held on the first floor of the New Orleans jail – a floor that had defective door locks. “There isn’t an ounce of this man’s history that doesn’t say ‘escape,’” Dennis told CNN affiliate WVUE. A convicted killer is still on the loose Groves, 27, was convicted of murdering two men on Mardi Gras 2018. Groves was found to be one of the gunmen who opened fire with AK-47-style assault rifles “on what should have been a joyous Mardi Gras family gathering,” the district attorney’s office said. Groves was found guilty of two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder, charges that carry a life sentence, the district attorney said. ‘Hours and hours of jail calls’ Authorities have “a lot of leads” and are getting tips from the community, Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams said Tuesday. “It’s vitally important that we catch these fugitives, whether it’s Arkansas, whether it’s Louisiana. But it’s also critically important that we know how they got out and who helped them get out, and we can’t wait until they’re in custody to do that,” Williams said. “My office, the digital forensics team, has been scouring through hours and hours of jail calls using some AI software to figure out who they were in contact with the night before, hours before, to figure out where they may have been heading,” Williams said. “Their circle is tightening, as people who are assisting are being arrested.” CNN’s Karina Tsui, Matt Rehbein, Chris Lau and Cindy Von Quednow contributed to this report.
A promising tip fizzles as the manhunt for a convicted killer and chronic escapee intensifies
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Manhunt Intensifies for Escaped Convicted Killers Antoine Massey and Derrick Groves"
TruthLens AI Summary
Antoine Massey and Derrick Groves, two fugitives who escaped from the Orleans Justice Center in New Orleans, have eluded capture for nearly two weeks. They are part of a larger group of ten inmates who broke free, with the other eight having been apprehended mostly in New Orleans and even in Texas. As of early Wednesday, authorities are concerned that the pair could be anywhere across several states. A potential sighting of Massey was reported in Natchez, Mississippi, prompting local law enforcement to investigate; however, this lead quickly diminished as officials declared that he was likely no longer in the area. Massey, a 32-year-old with a long history of escape attempts, was previously charged with vehicle theft and domestic abuse. His past includes a juvenile detention escape in 2007, where he and others broke out using metal shackles to shatter a window. Recently, he has also cut off electronic ankle monitors, raising questions about the security measures in place during his latest incarceration.
Derrick Groves, 27, is another dangerous criminal still on the loose. He was convicted for the murder of two men during a Mardi Gras celebration in 2018, where he was part of a group that opened fire on a gathering using AK-47-style rifles. His convictions carry a life sentence, highlighting the severity of his crimes. Authorities are actively pursuing leads and receiving tips from the public, with Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams emphasizing the urgency of capturing the fugitives. Investigators are utilizing advanced digital forensics and AI software to sift through hours of jail calls to identify potential contacts and accomplices who may have assisted Massey and Groves in their escape. The situation remains critical as law enforcement continues to tighten the net around these fugitives and their support network, hoping to bring them back into custody before they can cause further harm.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the ongoing manhunt for two fugitives, Antoine Massey and Derrick Groves, who escaped from the Orleans Justice Center, emphasizing their criminal backgrounds and the challenges authorities face in capturing them. This situation has raised public concern and fear regarding safety, particularly in the regions where the fugitives may be hiding.
Public Perception and Fear
The narrative around Massey and Groves is designed to instill a sense of urgency and apprehension among the public. By portraying these individuals as dangerous repeat offenders, the article aims to heighten awareness of the potential risks to community safety. This can lead to increased vigilance among residents but may also foster anxiety and fear within the community.
Information Gaps
While the article provides valuable information about the fugitives and the manhunt, it does not delve into the broader context of systemic issues within the justice system that allow such repeat offenses and escapes to occur. The focus on the manhunt may distract from discussions about prison reform, rehabilitation, and mental health support for offenders, which are also critical topics in crime prevention.
Manipulative Elements
The language used in the article may suggest manipulation, as it emphasizes the high stakes of the manhunt while downplaying the systemic failures that contribute to recidivism. This selective focus could be seen as an attempt to direct public concern toward individual criminals rather than addressing the underlying issues in the justice system.
Credibility of the Article
The article appears credible as it cites law enforcement officials and provides specific details about the fugitives' criminal histories. However, the lack of exploration into broader systemic issues might compromise its overall reliability, as it presents a narrow view of the situation without addressing contributing factors.
Community Impact
The reported escape and ongoing manhunt could lead to various societal outcomes, including increased funding for law enforcement and heightened security measures in the community. It may also spark debates about the effectiveness of the current penal system and the need for reform.
Target Audience
This article likely resonates more with communities concerned about crime and safety, particularly those in areas affected by the fugitives' escape. It aims to appeal to readers who prioritize law and order and may seek reassurance from local authorities regarding their safety.
Financial Market Effects
While this news piece may not have a direct impact on stock markets, it could influence investments in security companies or industries related to law enforcement. Companies that offer security technology or services might see a rise in interest as communities seek to enhance safety measures in response to such incidents.
Global Context
The manhunt reflects ongoing issues within the U.S. criminal justice system, which has implications for discussions on crime rates and public safety. However, it does not have a significant impact on global power dynamics or international news agendas.
Use of AI in Writing
It is possible that AI tools were used in the drafting of this article, particularly in structuring and summarizing information. The clarity and conciseness of the report suggest some level of algorithmic assistance, although the human element remains evident in the emotional framing of the narrative.
The article serves primarily to inform the public about the current manhunt situation, while also subtly guiding perceptions regarding crime and safety, thereby fulfilling its purpose of raising awareness.