New Orleans, LA – May 27, 2025 — Authorities have confirmed the capture of three of the five inmates who escaped from the Orleans Justice Center earlier this month, bringing a partial end to one of the most high-profile jailbreaks in recent Louisiana history. The daring escape, which has gripped the public and intensified scrutiny of the city’s correctional system, has prompted a massive multi-agency response spanning multiple states. Law enforcement officials continue an intensive manhunt for the two remaining fugitives, Derrick Groves and Antoine Massey, who remain at large and are considered dangerous.

The Escape

The jailbreak occurred in the early hours of May 4, 2025, when five inmates exploited what investigators now describe as “a critical security lapse” in the aging infrastructure of the Orleans Justice Center. Surveillance footage revealed that the escapees used makeshift tools to pry open a maintenance hatch within their cell block, gaining access to a restricted utility corridor. From there, they navigated through a series of service tunnels and emerged outside the perimeter wall undetected by on-duty guards.

According to sources familiar with the investigation, the operation appeared to be coordinated over a period of weeks, suggesting premeditation and potential assistance either from within the facility or from outside accomplices. Officials have not ruled out the involvement of staff and are actively interviewing personnel and reviewing security protocols.

The Captures

Within days of the escape, a joint task force composed of the U.S. Marshals Service, Louisiana State Police, and local law enforcement agencies managed to track down and apprehend three of the five fugitives.

• Michael “Mick” Darnell, 32, was captured on May 8 in Baton Rouge after a short foot pursuit that ended in his arrest behind a strip mall. He was reportedly trying to secure transportation out of state.

• James Tolliver, 27, was found hiding in an abandoned house in St. Bernard Parish. Law enforcement sources say Tolliver surrendered without incident after a negotiator convinced him to give himself up on May 11.

• Rafael Mendoza, 29, was located in a motel in Gulfport, Mississippi, on May 15. He was apprehended following a coordinated raid by U.S. Marshals. Officers discovered a cache of cash and burner phones in his possession, indicating plans to evade capture for the long term.

All three have since been returned to Orleans Parish and are now being held under heightened security. Each will face additional charges for escape and related offenses, which could extend their prison sentences by decades.

Ongoing Manhunt

Despite the successful capture of three escapees, the manhunt continues for Derrick Groves, 36, and Antoine Massey, 31 — both of whom have extensive criminal records and histories of violent behavior. Authorities believe the pair may have separated from the group shortly after the escape and may be receiving help from a criminal network or sympathetic associates.

Groves, a known gang affiliate, was serving time for armed robbery and assault, while Massey had been awaiting trial for homicide charges related to a 2023 shooting in the Lower Ninth Ward. The public is being warned not to approach either man and to report any sightings to law enforcement immediately.

The U.S. Marshals Service has increased the reward for information leading to their capture to $25,000 each. Tip lines and dedicated hotlines have been established, and digital billboards across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas are broadcasting their photos and physical descriptions.

Public and Political Reaction

The incident has sparked outrage and concern among New Orleans residents and local leaders. City Council members have called for an independent review of the Orleans Justice Center’s operations, citing a history of security breaches, understaffing, and overcrowding. Sheriff Susan Hutson, under whose jurisdiction the jail operates, acknowledged the system’s vulnerabilities in a press conference earlier this week and vowed to implement immediate reforms.

“We are taking this matter with the utmost seriousness,” Hutson said. “There were clearly breakdowns in procedure and accountability. We are working with state and federal partners to ensure this never happens again.”

Civil rights organizations and criminal justice reform advocates, however, are urging the city not to simply increase punitive measures but to address the systemic issues contributing to unrest and instability within the jail. Several reports in recent years have highlighted poor conditions, a shortage of trained personnel, and inadequate mental health care as major concerns within the facility.

Moving Forward

As the manhunt for the remaining fugitives intensifies, residents are urged to remain vigilant and cooperative with authorities. Meanwhile, the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office has pledged to release regular updates and maintain transparency throughout the investigation.

For many, the jailbreak serves as a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities in New Orleans’ criminal justice system — and the urgent need for investment, oversight, and reform. While the capture of three inmates marks progress, the full implications of the escape — both in terms of public safety and institutional accountability — are only beginning to unfold.