CAPTURED: Jail Escapee Antoine Massey Nabbed at Airbnb After 6‑Week Manhunt
A dramatic six-week search for one of New Orleans’ most notorious fugitives concluded Friday when Antoine Massey, 33, was peacefully captured at an Airbnb in the Hollygrove neighborhood. His arrest marks a significant milestone in a manhunt that began after a sensational jail break on May 16—leaving only one escapee still at large.
A Fugitive on the Run
Massey was among ten inmates who escaped from the Orleans Parish Prison (Orleans Justice Center) on May 16 under remarkable circumstances. Using tools that cut through cell locks, the group removed a toilet and crawled behind a wall before escaping over barbed-wire fencing in what officials described as “one of the largest jailbreaks in recent U.S. history”.
Despite massive law enforcement efforts—spanning FBI, U.S. Marshals, Louisiana State Police, NOPD, DHS, and local authorities—Massey managed to evade capture longer than his nine fellow escapees.
The Breakthrough
At around 11 a.m. Friday, Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson received a tip via CrimeStoppers that Massey was hiding in a rental home on Stroelitz Street, Hollygrove. By 3:30 p.m., law enforcement surrounded the Airbnb and Massey surrendered peacefully—a swift and unaggressive arrest .
NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick praised the community’s cooperation in turning in Massey, reinforcing trust in law enforcement’s efforts .
The Helper Behind Bars
Louisiana State Police Superintendent Robert Hodges emphasized that Massey “had assistance” during his stay on the run. Indeed, authorities later charged a woman in a prior relationship with Massey for obstruction of justice and aiding his escape—a reflection of the network that sheltered him.
Massey’s Troubled Past
When he first escaped, Massey was awaiting charges that included:
- Domestic abuse with strangulation
- Car theft
- Parole violations
He also faces allegations of rape and kidnapping in neighboring St. Tammany Parish. Notably, this was Massey’s fourth escape attempt, having previously fled from juvenile detention in 2007, Morehouse Parish in 2019, and is known for repeatedly tampering with tracking devices.
Social Media Fails
Massey’s refuge was not secure. Earlier this month, he posted videos online—publicly seeking help from celebrities like Lil Wayne and Kim Kardashian, claiming his innocence . Authorities traced these posts and, though a prior raid did not find him, the content kept pressure mounting for his capture .
From Airbnb to Angola
Immediately after the arrest, Massey was transferred to Orleans Parish Jail, then flown to Angola, the Louisiana State Penitentiary, where the other recaptured escapees remain. Judge Waives Bond decision is ongoing.
The Final Fugitive: Derrick Groves
With Massey now secured, only one escapee remains at large: Derrick Groves, 27, convicted of double murder and facing life without parole. Leaders have placed a $50,000 reward for information leading to his capture and continue urging him to surrender peacefully.
Sheriff Hutson and Superintendent Kirkpatrick have vowed the manhunt will continue until Groves is in custody, reinforcing that “we will capture you”.
Ongoing Ripples of the Breakout
The original jailbreak sparked wide-ranging investigations into compromised facility security:
- Maintenance worker Sterling Williams is charged with aiding escape by disabling water to loosen a toilet.
- The prison’s structural flaws and staffing shortages have been flagged for review, and several staff were suspended amid the fallout.
Why This Capture Resonates
- Community cooperation succeeds – tips from locals and CrimeStoppers were essential.
- Fugitives rarely stay hidden – social media missteps reveal escapees.
- Jail breaks demand vigilance – systemic failures bear consequences.
- Manhunts are not over until the last fugitive is caught – a final plea for Derrick Groves’ surrender.
The Final Word
Antoine Massey’s arrest marks the closing chapter in a six‑week chase, offering relief and accountability after a scandal that shook local trust. But the final pages remain unwritten—until Derrick Groves is brought in, the aftermath of jail-systems gaps and community resilience will continue to unfold.
For now, New Orleans breathes easier—but the promise of justice isn’t complete.
Make money playing video games!:
Read more Urban news
Andrew Ravens