Authorities are intensifying their search for Antoine Massey, one of the last two escapees from a New Orleans jail, following a raid on a residence linked to him. The search comes after Massey posted a controversial video on Instagram defending his innocence and asking for help from public figures like Donald Trump and various prominent rappers. Meanwhile, local and federal law enforcement agencies are collaborating in what has become a complex manhunt for Massey and another inmate, Derrick Groves, who also remains at large.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) Details of the Raid and the Chase for Massey |
| 2) The Instagram Video: Claims and Reactions |
| 3) Community and Law Enforcement Response |
| 4) Background of the Escape: How it Happened |
| 5) Current Status of the Manhunt and Legal Implications |
Details of the Raid and the Chase for Massey
On a recent evening, law enforcement officials conducted a raid on a residence believed to be connected to Antoine Massey. Although authorities did not locate Massey during the operation, they discovered items belonging to him, prompting further investigative efforts. According to sources close to the investigation, police were tipped off by Massey’s relatives, who recognized the residence where the raid took place.
Massey, who is currently evading capture, has been declared one of the prime subjects in the ongoing manhunt. Law enforcement is working tirelessly to apprehend him, aided by local and federal partners. The Louisiana State Police (LSP) reported that they are employing both traditional policing methods and modern technology in their pursuit.
Furthermore, the authorities have set a bounty of $50,000 on Massey’s head, as well as that of Derrick Groves, another inmate who escaped alongside him. The reward is aimed at incentivizing citizens to provide credible information that might lead to their recapture.
The Instagram Video: Claims and Reactions
In a now-deleted Instagram video, Massey made a sensational claim regarding his escape from the Orleans Parish Jail. Contrary to reports suggesting he broke out, he asserted that he was actually let out. Speaking directly to the camera, Massey stated,
“They say that I broke out. I didn’t break out, I was let out.”
He continued to plead for help from various public figures, including rappers such as Meek Mill and Lil Wayne, as well as former President Donald Trump.
The video has drawn mixed reactions. Some viewers express sympathy for Massey, while others criticize his audacity in asking for assistance from high-profile individuals amid a serious criminal investigation. He also addressed accusations regarding a fellow inmate, denying claims that he threatened jail maintenance worker Sterling Williams, who was accused of helping with the escape.
Community and Law Enforcement Response
In response to the video and the ongoing search, Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson released a statement urging Massey to turn himself in. The sheriff emphasized,
“If the individual depicted in the video is indeed Antoine Massey, we strongly urge him to come forward and turn himself in.”
She further noted that cooperation with law enforcement could potentially aid in minimizing additional charges against him.
Local residents have expressed safety concerns due to the presence of two escapees still on the loose. Community action groups have started to engage with law enforcement to ensure that the public remains informed and vigilant during this tumultuous time. The collaboration aims to balance the need for transparency with community safety.
Background of the Escape: How it Happened
On May 16, 2025, a dramatic escape unfolded at the Orleans Parish Justice Facility. Ten inmates managed to break free by creating a hole behind a toilet in their cell, providing access to a narrow space leading outside the facility. Following their exit, they successfully navigated a treacherous barbed-wire fence, marking one of the most high-profile jailbreaks in recent Louisiana history.
Among the escapees, Derrick Groves has been noted as a particularly dangerous individual; he has a history as a four-time killer. Meanwhile, Massey had been awaiting trial for serious charges, including domestic abuse, theft of a vehicle, and a parole violation. The nature of these offenses has led law enforcement to be extremely proactive in locating him.
Current Status of the Manhunt and Legal Implications
As of now, eight out of the ten escapees have been recaptured following extensive efforts by the LSP and assisting agencies. The ongoing manhunt has attracted attention, both from local media and national agencies, underscoring the seriousness of the situation. The two remaining fugitives, Antoine Massey and Derrick Groves, continue to evade law enforcement, maintaining high stakes for their imminent capture.
The authorities are gearing up for potential legal ramifications for not only the escapees but also individuals who assisted them. Massey’s sister, Daishanae Massey, is among 14 individuals arrested for allegedly aiding in the jailbreak, further complicating the legal landscape. These arrests may prompt broader investigations into how the escape was facilitated.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | A raid on a residence linked to Antoine Massey did not result in his capture but yielded personal belongings. |
| 2 | Massey posted an Instagram video claiming he was let out of jail, instead of breaking out. |
| 3 | Community members have expressed concerns over safety as the manhunt continues. |
| 4 | The jailbreak involved ten inmates, and eight of them have already been captured. |
| 5 | Legal repercussions are anticipated for both the escapees and those who assisted in the jailbreak. |
Summary
The ongoing search for Antoine Massey and another inmate highlights significant failures within the correctional system and raises pressing concerns for community safety. As authorities continue their multi-agency efforts, the complexities surrounding the jailbreak—including connections to family members and community responses—further illustrate the intricate web of social issues at play. As the situation unfolds, it remains critical for law enforcement to ensure the safety and accountability of all involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Who is Antoine Massey?
Antoine Massey is one of the inmates who escaped from the Orleans Parish Jail and is currently evading capture. He was awaiting trial on charges including domestic abuse and vehicle theft.
Question: What is the significance of the Instagram video?
In the video, Massey claimed that he was released from jail rather than escaping, pleading for help from various public figures. The video became a focal point for reactions from both law enforcement and the public.
Question: What charges are the escapees facing?
The escapees, including Massey and Groves, are facing serious charges related to their escape from jail, along with their initial criminal offenses, which include homicide and other violent crimes.
