Surrender – News Journos

Aunt of Jail Escapee Derrick Groves Appeals for His Surrender

News Editor — Thu, 22 May 2025 15:40:38 +0000

This article is published by News Journos

In a significant development surrounding the recent escape from the Orleans Parish Jail, the aunt of Derrick Groves, one of the escapees, has urged him to surrender for his own safety. Groves, who previously received life sentences for two murder convictions stemming from incidents on Mardi Gras Day 2024, escaped custody on May 16 along with nine other inmates. As authorities continue an aggressive manhunt, questions about jail staffing and security protocols are emerging, with officials indicating potential legal repercussions for those involved in the jailbreak.

Article Subheadings
1) Background of Derrick Groves’ Crimes
2) The Escape Incident
3) Family’s Concerns and Appeals
4) Law Enforcement’s Response
5) Future Implications and Community Impact

Background of Derrick Groves’ Crimes

Derrick Groves is well-known in the New Orleans area, primarily due to his violent criminal history. In October 2024, a jury found him guilty of two counts of second-degree murder after he killed two men during the Mardi Gras festivities. The horrendous nature of these murders sent shockwaves through the community, leading to his conviction and subsequent sentencing to life imprisonment. In addition, Groves later pleaded guilty to two other manslaughter charges, indicating a trend of violent behavior that has contributed to his extensive legal troubles. His profile as a violent offender has only heightened concerns regarding his recent escape, pushing both law enforcement and local residents to prioritize safety.

The Escape Incident

On May 16, 2025, Derrick Groves, along with nine other inmates, escaped from the Orleans Justice Center. The escape raised immediate security concerns and ignited a major manhunt, drawing attention from several law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and U.S. Marshals. At the time of the escape, the jail was operating at only 60% staffing capacity, with 36 correctional officers monitoring over 1,400 inmates, a situation that has led many to question the adequacy of security protocols in place. During the chaos surrounding the escape, five of the ten inmates have since been recaptured, leaving five still at large. Each of these escapees has a history of violent offenses, increasing public anxiety as the search intensifies.

Family’s Concerns and Appeals

The family of Derrick Groves has expressed deep concern for his safety since his escape. His aunt, Jasmine Groves, has made a public appeal for him to return voluntarily, emphasizing that jail is a dangerous place. Jasmine Groves highlighted that her nephew had been stabbed three times while in custody, a claim that raises significant alarms regarding inmate treatment and safety at the Orleans Parish jail. In various interviews, Jasmine has articulated her distress, stating,

“I’m praying to the Lord that he is protected, and I pray that they don’t try to kill him.”

She believes the circumstances surrounding Groves’ move to the Orleans Justice Center have further endangered his life and describes feeling more secure when he was housed at the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, noting that the conditions there seemed to be better managed.

Law Enforcement’s Response

Following the escape, local authorities have ramped up their efforts to locate the missing inmates. Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson acknowledged the lapse in security, stating that immediate actions have been taken, including suspensions and arrests, as part of an ongoing investigation into how the escape occurred. Sheriff Hutson expressed accountability during a recent City Council meeting, temporarily suspending her re-election campaign to focus solely on public safety and the recovery of the escapees. Additionally, three individuals have been charged with aiding the inmates, including a jail employee, further complicating the situation by exposing systemic issues within the correctional facility. The Sheriff’s Office, along with local law enforcement, has committed over 200 officers to the ongoing search operations, underscoring the urgency of recapturing these fugitives before they can cause harm.

Future Implications and Community Impact

The escape from the Orleans Parish jail has significant implications for public safety and trust in local law enforcement. As five of the escapees remain at large, community members are unsettled, questioning the adequacy of security measures implemented by the jail. The staffing shortage exacerbates fears, as the disproportionate ratio of inmates to guards suggests a potential for more breaches in security. Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams echoed these sentiments when he expressed unease about the escape, reinforcing the community’s anxieties surrounding safety. With the situation unfolding, the Sheriff’s office faces mounting pressure to improve conditions at the facility, restore public confidence, and prevent future incidents.

No.	Key Points
1	Derrick Groves was convicted of multiple violent crimes before escaping from jail.
2	The Orleans Justice Center was operating at 60% capacity at the time of the escape.
3	Groves’ family has expressed significant concern for his safety following the escape.
4	Law enforcement is actively pursuing the remaining escapees, leveraging multiple agencies.
5	The incident raises questions about jail security and the accountability of local authorities.

Summary

The escape of Derrick Groves and nine other inmates from the Orleans Parish Jail not only raises critical concerns over jail security but also emphasizes the need for a comprehensive review of staffing practices. As families voice their concerns and law enforcement ramps up efforts to recapture the escapees, the incident serves as a wake-up call regarding the challenges facing the correctional system. The ongoing manhunt, community impact, and official responses highlight the imperative for transparency, reform, and accountability within this crucial public safety domain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What led to Derrick Groves’ previous convictions?

Derrick Groves was convicted of two counts of second-degree murder and later pleaded guilty to manslaughter in separate incidents involving violence during Mardi Gras festivities.

Question: How many escapees are still at large following the jailbreak?

As of the latest updates, five out of the ten inmates who escaped from the Orleans Parish Jail are still unaccounted for.

Question: What measures are law enforcement taking to recapture the escaped inmates?

Law enforcement agencies, including local police, the FBI, and U.S. Marshals, are actively involved in the search, deploying over 200 officers to locate and apprehend the escapees.

Students Surrender After DA Considers Kidnapping Charges in Lacrosse Hazing Case

News Editor — Thu, 01 May 2025 05:57:04 +0000

This article is published by News Journos

A troubling case of hazing involving the Westhill High School boys lacrosse team has come to light in upstate New York, where eleven students have turned themselves in amid allegations of criminal behavior. Following a 48-hour ultimatum to evade potential kidnapping charges, these students acknowledged their involvement in an incident targeting younger teammates. Authorities have labeled the act as “hazing on steroids,” a phrase that underscores the gravity and risks associated with such behavior.

As the investigation unfolds, Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick has expressed concern over the potential for tragedy stemming from this incident. In a bid to clarify the events leading to these accusations, officials have provided a detailed account of the actions of the students, raising questions about accountability and the broader culture surrounding such practices in schools.

Article Subheadings
1) Overview of the Incident
2) Responses from Authorities
3) Details of the Hazing Scheme
4) Implications for Students and Community
5) School District’s Cooperation

Overview of the Incident

On a recent Wednesday, eleven students associated with the Westhill High School boys lacrosse team surrendered to law enforcement following a public warning from the district attorney’s office. The threat of criminal charges, including possible kidnapping accusations, loomed over these individuals after reports of a concerning hazing incident involving much younger teammates surfaced. William Fitzpatrick, the Onondaga County District Attorney, reiterated the pressing need for these students to come forward, stating that failure to do so would result in harsher legal repercussions.

This case has not gone unnoticed, stirring a robust response from school officials, local authorities, and community members alike. The testimonies and firsthand accounts of the older students indicate that they were involved in orchestrating a complex, misguided “prank,” which escalated alarmingly into an event characterized by intimidation and fear.

Responses from Authorities

The situation has drawn significant attention from various officials, particularly William Fitzpatrick, who has openly condemned the behavior as both unlawful and dangerous. During a press briefing, Fitzpatrick emphasized the potential consequences, calling the event a display of “hazing on steroids” and warning of the lasting psychological effects on the younger victims. He stated, “This is criminal activity, and it could have resulted in such tragedy,” making it clear that hazing will not be tolerated in any form.

Furthermore, details emerged about the collaborative efforts between the district attorney’s office and the local sheriff’s department, highlighting a proactive approach to uncovering the full extent of the incidents. The sheriff received a critical call from the high school’s resource officer, setting in motion the legal proceedings that followed. Officials have been vocal in their determination to hold those responsible accountable while also emphasizing the importance of ensuring that the victims feel safe and supported.

Details of the Hazing Scheme

According to officials, the hazing incident was meticulously planned by older lacrosse players who invited five younger members of the team to partake in what was presented as a casual outing, purportedly to watch a lacrosse game and enjoy food from a local McDonald’s. However, the situation quickly took a dark turn as the older players allegedly drove the younger teammates to a secluded area of the county.

As part of the hazing ritual, a group of individuals wearing masks and black clothing confronted the younger players, mimicking a kidnapping scenario complete with at least one weapon, reportedly a gun, and a knife. The gravity of the situation escalated when one member of the younger group was restrained with his hands tied and a pillowcase placed over his head, subsequently placed in the trunk of a vehicle. The profound implications of such actions raise serious concerns about the psychological and legal ramifications for everyone involved.

Implications for Students and Community

As students grapple with the emotional fallout from the incident, both victims and perpetrators must navigate the repercussions of actions that many are now recognizing as deeply harmful. The acknowledgement from the eleven students involved, conveyed through their attorney, emphasizes a sense of regret—an indication that they now understand the gravity of their decisions. “The young men deeply regret their involvement in what began as a misguided attempt at a prank,” their attorney stated, asserting that they recognize the distress caused to others.

The community is also engaging in discussions about the broader culture of hazing and the need for educational institutions to address such issues proactively. As local leaders call for immediate reforms, questions surrounding accountability and preventive measures are coming to the forefront. Activities that may be dismissed as mere “pranks” are being reevaluated in light of current events, with advocates calling for zero-tolerance policies against bullying and hazing in schools.

School District’s Cooperation

As the investigation continues, the Westhill Central School District has issued public statements affirming its commitment to supporting both the victims and ensuring the safety of all students. Lisa O’Reilly, the board of education president, stressed the importance of maintaining an environment conducive to student safety and dignity, echoing sentiments that have become increasingly relevant in school discussions nationwide.

The district’s cooperation with law enforcement is evident, as they have pledged to provide support throughout the investigation process. “We remain committed to the values of student safety, dignity, and accountability,” O’Reilly has stated. While the legal proceedings are unfolding, the school aims to focus on healing and education rather than punishment, working closely with authorities to ensure that similar incidents are prevented in the future.

No.	Key Points
1	Eleven students turned themselves in related to a hazing incident at Westhill High School.
2	Local authorities have characterized the act as dangerous and indicative of a larger issue of hazing.
3	The incident involved younger students being subjected to an elaborate prank that turned into intimidation.
4	The school district has committed to supporting students while cooperating with law enforcement.
5	Ongoing discussions within the community address the need for preventative measures against hazing.

Summary

The hazing incident involving the Westhill High School boys lacrosse team serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of such behavior among adolescents. As authorities seek accountability and justice, the community is also reflecting on the broader implications of hazing culture in educational environments. With a commitment to fostering a safe and supportive atmosphere for all students, both school officials and law enforcement are working together to prevent future incidents and provide necessary support for those affected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What actions did the students take after the allegations surfaced?

The eleven students involved in the hazing incident willingly turned themselves in to law enforcement following a 48-hour ultimatum given by the district attorney.

Question: What were the consequences anticipated for the involved students?

The involved students risked facing kidnapping charges, but those who turned themselves in may avoid criminal records and could be prosecuted in family court instead.

Question: How has the school district responded to the incident?

The Westhill Central School District has expressed its commitment to cooperate fully with law enforcement while ensuring the safety and well-being of its students during the ongoing investigation.