When Derrick Groves, 27, was convicted in October of killing two people, his sentence was supposed to bring relief to New Orleans and renewed confidence in law enforcement. “The days of Derrick Groves bullying and brutalizing this community are over,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Lyonel Myrthil said at the time. But less than a year later, Groves, who later pleaded guilty to battery of a correctional officer, broke out of jail with nine other men and escaped into the dark New Orleans night. Two weeks later, Groves and Antoine Massey, another inmate with a history of escaping custody, are still on the run. A video posted online appears to show Massey declaring his innocence. The US Marshals Service received the video Monday and is looking into it, Deputy US Marshal Brian Fair told CNN. In the video, Massey described himself as “one of the ones that was let out” of the jail “where they said I escaped.” “As far as declaring his innocence, he’s going to have to come in to take care of that,” Fair said. Here’s what we know about Groves, a man with a violent past whose escape has drawn controversial support. A violent history Groves’ criminal record dates back to 2014, when he was charged for attempted second-degree murder at age 17. He was eventually found not guilty, according to court records. Last October, Groves was convicted for the second time in the killing of two people on Mardi Gras Day in 2018. After his initial conviction in 2019, a new law calling for unanimous verdicts forced Groves into a second trial — which ended in a mistrial due to a juror reading media reports about the case. A third trial ended in a deadlock, and Groves was finally convicted again last year after a fourth trial, the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office detailed in a news release about the conviction. Groves was determined to be one of two gunmen who opened fire with AK-47-style assault rifles “on what should have been a joyous Mardi Gras family gathering,” according to the DA’s office. Groves was found guilty of two counts of second-degree murder in the deaths of Jamar Robinson and Byron Jackson and two counts of attempted second-degree murder for the shooting of two other victims, charges that carry a life sentence, the district attorney said. Prosecutors used social media to help convict Groves, indicating that his online activity “played a chilling role” in their case. Groves’ posted on social media days after the killings showing his familiarity with the weapons used in the incident, according to the DA’s office. He “brazenly boasted about the violence” and even took credit for the killings, officials said. Three witnesses also “courageously” testified, identifying Groves and his co-defendant as the gunmen, the DA’s office said. “Groves routinely used violence to lash out and silence witnesses or ‘snitches,’” Myrthil said at the time. “There was no doubt in the minds of anyone involved in this case that Groves would continue his bloody rampage on the streets of New Orleans if he weren’t stopped. We hope this guilty verdict and the life sentence that accompanies it will give the community renewed confidence and hope in law enforcement.” Because of delays caused by Groves’ attorney being suspended from practicing law and the judge in the case recusing herself, Groves was still awaiting sentencing for that conviction at the Orleans Justice Center when he escaped, Keith D. Lampkin, a spokesman for the DA’s office, detailed. In April 2024, before his conviction in the double murder, Groves was charged with battery of a correctional facility employee. He pleaded guilty in that case, court records show. After Groves’ escape, prosecutors and witnesses associated with the double murder left town “out of an abundance of caution,” Lampkin told CNN. He did not elaborate. A loved one pleads for his surrender Groves’ aunt, Jasmine Groves, told CNN affiliate WDSU that she wants her nephew to turn himself in and that she hopes deadly force will not be used to get him back into custody. She told the station that her family does not know where her nephew is and that the days since his escape have been a nightmare. Jasmine Groves added that Groves’ mother was taken from her home against her will by law enforcement officials. US Marshals confirmed to WDSU that they went to Groves’ mother’s home to question her. “For my family, it’s been like reliving a constant nightmare that we relived throughout these whole 30 years,” she said. Groves is the grandson of Kim Groves, who was killed in a notorious murder-for-hire plot in the Ninth Ward in 1994, the DA’s office said. She was a 32-year-old mother of three when the hit was ordered by New Orleans Police Department Officer Len Davis, WDSU reported. Sympathy for a convicted killer This time around, many of the social media posts about Groves have come from supporters, some of whom seem to reference his grandmother’s death at the hands of a police officer as a reason to extend him sympathy. “DERRICK GROVES is the only inmate i dont blame for what he did to qo to jail i hope he neva qet cauqht,” one X user wrote. “I pray Derrick Groves is never found …safe travels!” another posted. Another X user shared the hashtags “#StayFreeWoo #Groves #JusticeForKimGroves.” The DA’s office did not have any comment on the social media support for Groves. He indicated, however, that any suggestion that Groves’ crimes were in response to or retaliation for his grandmother’s death is “newly generated urban myth.”
What we know about Derrick Groves, the convicted double murderer still on the run after escaping a New Orleans jail
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Derrick Groves, Convicted Double Murderer, Remains At Large Following Jail Escape"
CNN
7.3
TruthLens AI Summary
Derrick Groves, a 27-year-old man with a violent criminal history, was convicted in October for the double murder of Jamar Robinson and Byron Jackson during a Mardi Gras celebration in 2018. His conviction followed a tumultuous legal journey, including three trials that ended in a mistrial and a deadlock before he was finally found guilty of two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder. Prosecutors built their case against Groves using social media evidence that showcased his brazen attitude towards violence, where he openly boasted about the crime and his familiarity with the assault rifles used in the shooting. Groves’ escape from the Orleans Justice Center, alongside nine other inmates, occurred just months after his conviction, raising significant concerns about public safety and law enforcement's ability to manage high-risk offenders. In the wake of his escape, both prosecutors and witnesses connected to the double murder have reportedly left town out of fear, emphasizing the community’s unease regarding his potential return to violence.
After his escape, Groves’ aunt publicly urged him to surrender, expressing concern over the law enforcement's approach in capturing him, which included questioning family members. The family has been engulfed in distress, recalling the trauma of their past, particularly the murder of Groves' grandmother, Kim Groves, in a notorious case involving police misconduct. Despite Groves' violent past and the gravity of his crimes, some social media users have expressed sympathy towards him, invoking his grandmother's death as a justification for his actions. This phenomenon of support has sparked controversy, with officials dismissing any notion that his criminal behavior is linked to historical injustices faced by his family. The US Marshals Service continues to investigate Groves’ escape, and the situation remains tense as the search for him continues.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article delves into the dramatic escape of Derrick Groves, a convicted double murderer, from a New Orleans jail, highlighting the implications of his actions and the broader context of crime and punishment in society. By examining Groves' violent history and the recent events surrounding his escape, the article seeks to inform the public while also potentially influencing perceptions of safety and law enforcement efficacy.
Public Sentiment and Law Enforcement Trust
The narrative portrays a community that initially felt relief following Groves' conviction, which was seen as a victory for law enforcement. However, his escape less than a year later raises questions about the effectiveness and reliability of the criminal justice system. The mention of FBI and US Marshals indicates a high level of concern and urgency, suggesting that the community may feel a renewed sense of vulnerability.
Manipulation and Hidden Agendas
The framing of Groves' background and his violent past could serve to amplify fear and anxiety among the public. By emphasizing his criminal history, the article may inadvertently bolster support for harsher sentencing and policing strategies. The focus on his escape alongside another inmate with a history of escape adds to the narrative of danger, potentially diverting attention from systemic issues within the correctional system itself.
Comparative Analysis with Other Reports
When juxtaposed with similar reports on crime and inmate escapes, this article aligns with a trend of sensationalizing violent crime, often leading to a skewed public perception. This could create a narrative that supports increased funding for law enforcement or tougher crime policies, which may not necessarily correlate with overall community safety.
Socio-Economic and Political Ramifications
The discussion surrounding Groves' escape could influence public opinion on crime policies, potentially leading to calls for more stringent measures. This might affect local government decisions regarding budget allocations for law enforcement and community safety initiatives. Furthermore, if the escape is perceived as a failure of the justice system, it could ignite political debates about criminal justice reform.
Community Support and Target Audience
The article appears to resonate more with communities concerned about crime and safety, particularly those who may feel directly impacted by violent incidents. By focusing on Groves' dangerous past, the piece may appeal to individuals advocating for tougher crime legislation and stricter law enforcement measures.
Market Impact Considerations
While the article primarily addresses crime and safety, it could indirectly affect sectors related to private security, law enforcement technology, or criminal justice reform initiatives. Companies involved in these areas may see fluctuations in public interest and investment as the discourse around crime evolves.
Global Context and Relevance
In terms of global power dynamics, this article may not have direct implications but reflects a broader concern regarding crime and justice systems worldwide. Such cases can resonate in discussions of human rights and police practices, particularly in contexts where systemic injustices are prevalent.
Artificial Intelligence Involvement
The writing style and structure suggest a professional journalism approach, which could imply the use of AI tools for fact-checking or data analysis. However, the narrative's emotional tone and framing indicate a human touch in crafting the story to elicit public concern and engagement. If AI was utilized, it likely contributed to the organization of facts and context rather than the editorial slant.
In conclusion, the article serves to inform the public about a serious incident while also potentially manipulating perceptions of crime and justice in a way that could lead to calls for increased law enforcement measures. The reliability of the information appears sound, but the framing may influence public sentiment in a particular direction.