Derrick Groves became one of the most talked-about criminals in the United States in 2025. He escaped a New Orleans prison with nine other dangerous inmates in May 2025. His story shocked the nation and raised serious questions about prison security.
Derrick Groves was a convicted murderer who had already been sentenced to life in prison. He managed to stay hidden from authorities for five long months after the escape. His capture in October 2025 finally brought this terrifying chapter to a close.
The Derrick Groves escape story is a reminder of how dangerous prison breaks can be. It also shows how inside help can make even secure facilities vulnerable to breakouts. Law enforcement worked hard for months to track him down and bring him to justice.
Who is Derrick Groves?
Derrick Groves is a convicted murderer from New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. He was found guilty of shooting and killing two men at a family gathering in 2018. His case went through multiple trials before a final guilty verdict was reached in 2024.
Derrick Groves became widely known after escaping from the Orleans Parish Justice Center. He was one of ten inmates who broke out of the facility together in May 2025. His escape made national news because of how dangerous and wanted he already was.
Groves had a long history of violence and criminal activity in the New Orleans area. Authorities described him as a serious threat to the community even before the escape. His story continued to develop well into 2026 as legal proceedings moved forward.
Derrick Groves Profile Summary
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Derrick Groves |
| Known For | New Orleans Prison Escape, Double Murder |
| Crime Location | New Orleans, Louisiana, USA |
| Victims | Jamar Robinson and Byron Jackson |
| Crime Date | February 2018 (Mardi Gras gathering) |
| First Conviction | 2019 |
| Retrial Granted | January 2023 |
| Final Verdict | October 2024 — Guilty of two counts of second-degree murder |
| Sentence | Life in prison |
| Escape Date | May 16, 2025 |
| Escape Location | Orleans Parish Justice Center, New Orleans |
| Escaped With | 9 other inmates |
| Time on the Run | 5 months |
| Capture Date | October 8, 2025 |
| Capture Location | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Girlfriend | Darriana Burton (arrested for aiding escape) |
| Current Status | Back in custody, facing additional charges |
Derrick Groves Age
Derrick Groves is 28 years old as of March 2026, born in the year 1997. He was just 27 years old when he escaped from the Orleans Parish Justice Center in May 2025. Multiple official reports and news sources have confirmed his age at the time of capture.
He was also 27 when he received his final guilty verdict for double murder in October 2024. By the time he was caught in Atlanta in October 2025, he had just turned or was turning 28. His young age makes his violent criminal history even more striking and troubling to many people.
| Detail | Information |
| Age (as of March 2026) | 28 years old |
| Birth Year | 1997 |
| Age at Time of 2018 Murders | Approximately 20–21 years old |
| Age at First Conviction (2019) | Approximately 21–22 years old |
| Age at Final Conviction (October 2024) | 27 years old |
| Age at Prison Escape (May 2025) | 27 years old |
| Age at Capture (October 2025) | 28 years old |
| Current Age (2026) | 28 years old |
Derrick Groves Early Life and Background
Not much is publicly known about Derrick Groves’ early life and upbringing in detail. He grew up in the New Orleans area, which is where all his criminal activity later occurred. His background shows a pattern of violence and street-level criminal behavior over the years.
Authorities described Groves as someone who regularly used violence to intimidate others. He was known for silencing witnesses and threatening people who spoke against him in court. His early life choices eventually led him to face two murder charges in a court of law.
- Derrick Groves grew up in the New Orleans, Louisiana area
- He developed a violent history long before the 2018 Mardi Gras murders took place
- FBI agents described him as someone who used violence to silence witnesses
- He had a reputation for brutality and intimidation in his local community
- His criminal behavior escalated until he committed the fatal 2018 double shooting
- Groves was considered a serious threat by both local and federal law enforcement agencies
Derrick Groves Family
Derrick Groves’ family background has not been widely covered in public media reports. His family connections came into focus mainly because of his girlfriend’s role in the escape. Very little is officially confirmed about his parents, siblings, or other close relatives.
His girlfriend, Darriana Burton, played a direct role in helping him stay hidden after his escape. She was a former employee of the correctional center where Groves had been held in custody. Burton was fired from her job for bringing contraband into the jail before the escape happened.
Derrick Groves family connections, especially through Burton, helped him survive on the run. She was arrested a month before Groves himself was finally caught in Atlanta, Georgia. The family and personal support network he relied on ultimately contributed to his downfall.
Derrick Groves Grandma Story
The Derrick Groves grandma story is not directly connected to Derrick Groves, the murderer. The article linked to a “grandma story” refers to a different case listed on the same news page. That story involves Teen Mom star Jenelle Evans’ son pulling a gun on his grandmother instead.
The confusion between these two stories happens because they appeared on the same news website. Derrick Groves himself has no publicly reported story involving a grandmother in his case. It is important to separate these two different stories to avoid spreading wrong information.
If you searched for Derrick Groves grandma story and landed here, this clears up the confusion. The Groves case is about a prison escape and double murder in New Orleans, Louisiana. There is no verified grandma-related incident linked to Derrick Groves and his criminal case.
Derrick Groves Girlfriend
Derrick Groves’ girlfriend was identified as Darriana Burton by the attorney general’s office. She had previously worked as an employee at the Orleans Parish Justice Center correctional facility. Burton was fired from that job after she was caught bringing contraband into the prison.
Despite losing her job, Burton continued to support Groves even after his prison escape in May 2025. She was arrested approximately one month before Groves himself was finally caught in Atlanta. Authorities charged her with aiding and assisting a fugitive who was wanted for double murder.
The arrest of Derrick Groves’ girlfriend was a key step in eventually tracking him down. Her connection to him gave investigators valuable leads about his possible location and contacts. Burton’s role in the escape showed how inside knowledge of a prison can be used dangerously.
What was Derrick Groves in Jail for?
Derrick Groves was in jail for the shooting murders of two men during a 2018 Mardi Gras event. The victims were Jamar Robinson and Byron Jackson, who were killed at a family gathering. He was also facing charges of two counts of attempted second-degree murder at the same time.
His first conviction came in 2019, but a new law requiring unanimous jury verdicts changed things. A retrial was granted in January 2023, and a mistrial followed before a new trial was scheduled. In October 2024, he was finally found guilty again and sentenced to life in prison by the court.
- Convicted of two counts of second-degree murder for the 2018 Mardi Gras shooting
- Victims were Jamar Robinson and Byron Jackson, killed at a family gathering in New Orleans.
- Also charged with two counts of attempted second-degree murder in the same incident
- First convicted in 2019, then retried after a new unanimous jury verdict law was passed.d
- The second trial ended in a mistrial, before a third trial resulted in another guilty verdict.
- Sentenced to life in prison in October 2024 while awaiting sentencing on the other charges
How many inmates did Derrick Groves escape with?
Derrick Groves escaped from the Orleans Parish Justice Center alongside nine other inmates in May 2025. The group of ten men broke out together during the evening lockdown period on May 16, 2025. Their charges ranged widely, from drug possession and carjacking to kidnapping and attempted murder.
Nine of the ten escaped inmates were recaptured within a few weeks of the prison break. Groves was the only one who stayed free for a significantly longer period of five full months. His ability to avoid capture far longer than the others made him the most high-profile fugitive.
| Inmate Name | Status After Escape |
| Kendell Myles | Captured on the day of the escape |
| Robert Moody | Captured on the day of the escape |
| Dkenan Dennis | Captured on the day of the escape |
| Gary Price | Captured by the end of May 2025 |
| Corey Boyd | Captured by the end of May 2025 |
| Lenton VanBuren | Captured by the end of May 2025 |
| Leo Tate | Captured by the end of May 2025 |
| Jermaine Donald | Captured by the end of May 2025 |
| Antoine Massey | Captured in late June 2025 |
| Derrick Groves | Captured October 8, 2025 — last to be caught |
How did Derrick Groves escape prison?
Derrick Groves and the other inmates began their escape plan during the evening lockdown period. They started tampering with a cell door while a corrections monitoring technician left to eat dinner. Once they broke through the door, the group moved into a nearby handicap cell to continue their plan.
Inside that handicap cell, the inmates used electric hair trimmers with multiple clipper blades attached. They used those trimmers to carefully cut through the wall located directly behind the cell’s toilet. After breaking through, they crawled out through the hole and left the facility completely undetected.
On the wall behind the toilet, they left a mocking message that read “To Easy LOL” for staff to find. A maintenance worker named Sterling Williams also helped by shutting off the water supply to the cell. Williams later claimed the inmates had threatened his life with a shank to force his cooperation.
How did he evade police for 5 Months?
After the escape, Derrick Groves managed to disappear far more successfully than his fellow escapees. While nine other inmates were caught within weeks, Groves stayed completely hidden for five full months. His girlfriend, Darriana Burton, with her prison insider knowledge, likely helped him stay off the radar.
Groves eventually made his way to Atlanta, Georgia, where he hid inside a private residential home. No one in the house was reported to be present at the time police finally arrived to arrest him there. His ability to find shelter and avoid detection showed he had strong outside support helping him survive.
Authorities continued searching for Derrick Groves through the summer and into the fall of 2025. A tip called into CrimeStoppers Greater New Orleans was what finally broke the case wide open. That tip gave investigators the location they needed to end his five-month run as a wanted fugitive.
How did police find Derrick Groves?
A tip called into CrimeStoppers Greater New Orleans led police directly to Groves’ Atlanta location. Investigators followed the tip to a residential home in Atlanta, Georgia, and quickly surrounded it. The operation involved U.S. Marshals, local law enforcement, and multiple units working together.
After arriving at the Atlanta home, a three-hour standoff between officers and Groves took place. Police used multiple rounds of gas in an attempt to force Groves out of hiding during that standoff. A K-9 unit was eventually deployed inside the home, and the dog located Groves in a crawl space.
- A CrimeStoppers tip led investigators to an Atlanta residential address in October 2025
- U.S. Marshals and local law enforcement surrounded the home and began a standoff
- The standoff lasted almost three hours before authorities were able to locate Groves.
- Multiple rounds of gas were deployed inside the home during the standoff operation.n
- A K-9 unit was sent in and successfully found Groves hiding inside a crawl space.
- No other people were found inside the home at the time of his arrest and capture.
Derrick Groves Caught
Derrick Groves was officially caught on October 8, 2025, inside a home in Atlanta, Georgia. He was found hiding in a crawl space after a three-hour standoff with law enforcement officials. His arrest marked the end of a five-month manhunt that had kept communities on edge across two states.
After his capture, Groves was charged with simple escape, just like the nine other inmates before him. Authorities also considered upgrading his charges to aggravated escape based on what they found inside the house. Drugs and weapons were discovered in the Atlanta home where he had been hiding before his arrest.
Derrick Groves caught news that spread quickly across national media on October 8 and the following days. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill called his capture a very good day for public safety. She confirmed that Groves would face serious legal consequences in both Louisiana and Georgia going forward.
Derrick Groves Charges
Derrick Groves faced multiple serious charges by the time of his capture in October 2025. His original charges included two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder. After his escape and capture, he was also charged with simple escape, along with the other nine inmates.
Authorities in Louisiana and Georgia were both reviewing possible charges against him after his arrest. The discovery of drugs and weapons at the Atlanta home made his legal situation even more serious. Officials said they were considering upgrading the escape charge to aggravated escape in his case.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill confirmed that Groves had a great deal to answer for legally. She made clear that both Louisiana and Georgia had serious legal interests in pursuing him further. His Derrick Groves charges were expected to keep him in the legal system for many years to come.
Derrick Groves, New Orleans
Derrick Groves is deeply connected to New Orleans, Louisiana, where all his major crimes occurred. He committed the 2018 Mardi Gras murders in New Orleans and was tried there multiple times. He was also held at the Orleans Parish Justice Center in New Orleans before his dramatic escape.
The Derrick Groves New Orleans case became a major story for residents and national audiences. His escape raised serious concerns about the safety and security of the Orleans Parish prison facility. Multiple staff members and outside helpers were arrested for their roles in making the escape possible.
New Orleans authorities worked closely with federal marshals to track Groves after his escape in 2025. The case highlighted deeper problems with prison security and possible corruption inside the facility. By 2026, the city was still dealing with the legal aftermath of the escape and related investigations.
Derrick Groves Escaped Again
As of the latest 2026 updates, Derrick Groves has not escaped again after his October 2025 capture. He was taken back into custody in Atlanta and later returned to Louisiana to face his charges there. There is no credible or verified report of Derrick Groves escaping again from any facility.
After his capture, Groves waived his right to an extradition hearing and agreed to return to Louisiana. He told the judge directly that he wanted to go back to where he was from, meaning New Orleans. Authorities confirmed he was being held securely and facing additional charges on top of his life sentence.
If you searched “did Derrick Groves escape again” or “is Derrick Groves still on the run,” the answer is no. He was captured on October 8, 2025, and has remained in custody since that date without incident. Any claims of another escape by Derrick Groves are not supported by official verified news sources.
Related Stories
Several other major stories are closely related to the Derrick Groves New Orleans escape case. These stories share themes of prison breaks, inside help, and high-profile criminal captures. They offer useful context for understanding how and why prison escapes happen in the United States.
Understanding these related cases helps show that the Groves’ escape was not an isolated event. Prison break cases with inside assistance have happened in multiple states across the country before. Each case carries its own lessons about security failures and the importance of corrections oversight.
- The Casey White and Vicky White prison escape case from Alabama in 2022
- The Escape at Dannemora, a real-life prison break that inspired a popular television miniseries
- Antoine Massey’s viral video claiming he was innocent and asking celebrities for public help
- Sterling Williams, the maintenance worker arrested for helping shut off the water during the escape
- Darriana Burton, Groves’ girlfriend and former prison employee, was arrested for aiding his escape
- The broader Orleans Parish Justice Center investigation into corruption and security failures
Where is Derrick Groves now?
As of 2026, Derrick Groves is back in custody in Louisiana after being extradited from Atlanta, Georgia. He waived his extradition hearing the day after his capture and confirmed his desire to return to Louisiana. He is currently serving his life sentence for the two 2018 Mardi Gras murders committed in New Orleans.
In addition to his life sentence, Groves still faces sentencing on two counts of attempted second-degree murder. He also faces a simple escape charge and a possible upgraded aggravated escape charge from the 2025 breakout. The discovery of drugs and weapons at the Atlanta home added even more legal complications to his case.
Derrick Groves’ legal situation remains serious and ongoing as of the latest 2026 available information. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill confirmed that he will be facing consequences for a very long time ahead. His days of evading justice are over, and he is expected to spend the rest of his life behind prison bars.
Final Thoughts
The Derrick Groves story is one of the most dramatic prison escape cases in recent American history. From a bold jailbreak using hair trimmers to a five-month manhunt across two states, this case had everything. His eventual capture proved that law enforcement persistence and public tips can make a real difference.
This case also raised very serious questions about prison security and insider corruption in Louisiana. Multiple staff members and helpers were arrested, showing that the escape was not done alone at all. The Orleans Parish Justice Center has faced significant scrutiny because of what happened on May 16, 2025.
Derrick Groves update as of 2026 confirms he is back behind bars and facing a mountain of new charges. His story serves as a powerful reminder that no one can run from justice forever in this country. The community of New Orleans and the families of his victims can finally have a measure of peace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Derrick Groves?
Derrick Groves is a convicted murderer from New Orleans who escaped from the Orleans Parish Justice Center in May 2025 alongside nine other inmates.
What did Derrick Groves do?
He shot and killed two men, Jamar Robinson and Byron Jackson, during a Mardi Gras family gathering in New Orleans in February 2018.
What was Derrick Groves in jail for?
He was serving a life sentence for two counts of second-degree murder and was awaiting sentencing on two additional attempted murder charges.
Who did Derrick Groves kill?
Derrick Groves killed Jamar Robinson and Byron Jackson during a family gathering in New Orleans on Mardi Gras in February 2018.
How did Derrick Groves escape prison?
He and nine other inmates cut through a prison wall using electric hair trimmers, escaping through a hole behind a toilet in a handicap cell during evening lockdown.
Has Derrick Groves been caught?
Yes, Derrick Groves was captured on October 8, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia, where he was found hiding inside a crawl space in a residential home.
Did Derrick Groves escape again?
No, as of 2026, Derrick Groves has not escaped again. He was captured in October 2025 and returned to Louisiana to continue serving his sentence.
Is Derrick Groves still on the run?
No, Derrick Groves is not still on the run. He was caught after five months and is currently back in custody in Louisiana as of 2026.
Who is Derrick Groves girlfriend?
His girlfriend is Darriana Burton, a former correctional center employee who was arrested for helping him after he escaped from the New Orleans prison.
What are Derrick Groves New Orleans charges?
His charges include two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of attempted second-degree murder, and a simple escape charge with a possible upgrade to aggravated escape.
Lacey Hester is the writer behind Celeb Verified with 4 years of experience covering celebrities, actors, net worth, sports stars, and trending stories. She shares verified facts with a fun twist that keeps readers hooked 😉