Escaped Inmate Sparks Fear and Chaos Among Victims’ Families in New Orleans
An intense manhunt is underway in New Orleans following the escape of several inmates from the Orleans Justice Center, with one escapee in particular sending shockwaves through the community. Derrick Groves, a convicted murderer, remains at large, and his escape has forced victims’ families into hiding, reviving trauma from a years-long legal ordeal.
A Family Thrust Back into Fear
The family of Jamar Robinson, one of Groves’ victims, found themselves in crisis just days after celebrating what would have been his birthday. On Wednesday, they honored his memory; by Friday, they were fleeing the city in fear. Groves, who had been convicted for the 2018 Mardi Gras double murder of Robinson and another man, Byron Jackson, had managed to break free from prison along with a group of inmates.
For Robinson’s family, the discovery of Groves’ escape came not from the authorities, but from a concerned acquaintance. This lack of official communication added to their panic and disbelief. They immediately began evacuating, gathering children from school, and seeking police protection. Two officers eventually escorted them to their home, where they packed hastily and left without a clear destination, terrified of what Groves might do next.
The 2018 Mardi Gras Murders and a Legal Rollercoaster
Derrick Groves was originally arrested in connection with the fatal shootings of Jamar Robinson and Byron Jackson during the 2018 Mardi Gras festivities. However, justice for the victims' families proved elusive. Though Groves was convicted in 2019, the trial verdict was overturned because the jury was not unanimous—a requirement set by a U.S. Supreme Court ruling after his initial conviction.
The case was retried multiple times. A mistrial was declared in 2023, followed by a hung jury in a subsequent attempt. It wasn’t until October 2024 that Groves was finally convicted again, with his sentencing set for July 2025. For Robinson’s family, each trial felt like reopening a wound. They struggled to heal, constantly retraumatized by a legal system that seemed unable to bring finality.
Now, with Groves on the loose, their fears have escalated to a new level. Their lives are once again upended, their routines shattered, and their safety compromised. They have had to take leaves from work and pull children from school, hiding in undisclosed locations while they await recapture.
Security Failures and Public Outcry
Public outrage has mounted as more details about the jailbreak emerge. Families and local residents are questioning how such a serious breach occurred in what was supposed to be a modern, secure facility. Footage from the news showing inmates pulling at doors—seemingly able to force them open with ease—has sparked criticism and disbelief.
For Robinson’s relatives, the failure is deeply personal. They expressed fury at the Orleans Parish authorities for failing to both contain Groves and communicate effectively with families impacted by his escape. One relative lamented how little it seemed the prison infrastructure had advanced, despite being relatively new. The grief they carried was now compounded by fresh fear and uncertainty.
Police Response and Ongoing Efforts
The New Orleans Police Department has confirmed that out of the group that escaped, three inmates have been recaptured and transferred to secure state correctional facilities outside of the city. Groves, however, remains at large, and authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant. They advise anyone with ties to the escapees’ cases or who feels endangered to reach out for police assistance.
NOPD has released images of the escapees and called on citizens to immediately dial 911 with any information regarding their whereabouts. The investigation into the jailbreak continues, with promises of improved security measures in the future. Authorities also said they would continue providing updates through their official website, smartphone app, and social media platforms.
A Community on Edge
For now, the Robinson family remains in hiding, struggling to regain some sense of safety and control. Their pain is palpable—not only from the original loss of Jamar but from the perpetual cycle of courtrooms, headlines, and now, an escape that has reignited their worst fears. What was meant to be a time of closure is now another chapter of survival.
The situation is a stark reminder of the lingering consequences of crime—not just for the victims, but for their families, who are left to pick up the pieces again and again. As law enforcement intensifies its search, the community watches with bated breath, hoping for a swift end to this chapter and a renewed commitment to justice and security.
