After six weeks on the run, Antoine Massey, a fugitive in the NOLA jail break, was apprehended by U.S. Marshals in New Orleans’ Hollygrove neighborhood on June 27, 2025. The 33-year-old serial escapee, known for his distinctive chess-piece facial tattoos, was one of ten inmates who fled the Orleans Justice Center on May 16. His capture marks a significant breakthrough in a manhunt that gripped the city, leaving only one escapee, Derrick Groves, still at large. Massey’s audacious escape and subsequent taunts on social media kept law enforcement on high alert, making his arrest a major win for authorities. This article dives into the latest developments surrounding this high-profile case, exploring Massey’s capture, his criminal history, and the ongoing search for the final fugitive.
The Dramatic Capture of Antoine Massey
On a tense Friday afternoon, U.S. Marshals swooped into a residence in Hollygrove, apprehending Antoine Massey without incident. The fugitive in the NOLA jail break had evaded capture for over a month, frustrating authorities with his knack for slipping through the cracks. His arrest came after a sprawling manhunt involving over 200 law enforcement personnel, intensified by a $50,000 reward offered for information leading to his capture. Massey’s bold social media posts, where he claimed innocence and even pleaded for help from celebrities like Lil Wayne and President Donald Trump, provided critical leads. A raided home in early June, believed to be where Massey recorded these videos, yielded clothing but no suspect—until now. Authorities have since confirmed Massey will be transferred to a secure state facility, likely Angola, where eight other recaptured escapees are held.
A Brazen Escape That Shocked New Orleans
The May 16 jailbreak at the Orleans Justice Center stunned the city. Ten inmates, including Antoine Massey, exploited faulty locks, stolen bedding, and a distracted guard to break free. They cut through cell walls using electric hair trimmers and escaped through a hole behind a toilet, leaving “too easy” scrawled on the wall as a taunt. Massey, in jail for domestic abuse, vehicle theft, and parole violations, was among the group. His history of escapes, including a 2007 juvenile detention breakout and snapping two ankle monitors, made him a prime target. The escape exposed glaring security flaws at the jail, prompting criticism of Sheriff Susan Hutson’s management and calls for infrastructure upgrades. While nine of the ten escapees are now in custody, the incident remains a black mark on the facility’s record.
Key Point Summary
- Antoine Massey, 33, was captured on June 27, 2025, in Hollygrove, New Orleans.
- He was one of ten inmates who escaped the Orleans Justice Center on May 16.
- Massey’s social media posts, claiming innocence, aided law enforcement in tracking him.
- Only Derrick Groves remains at large; Massey faces additional escape-related charges.
- The jailbreak highlighted security issues, leading to arrests of alleged accomplices.
Massey’s Social Media Taunts and Criminal Past
While on the run, Antoine Massey, the fugitive in the NOLA jail break, didn’t stay quiet. He posted videos on Instagram, proclaiming he was “let out” rather than escaping, and insisted he was innocent of the charges against him, which include domestic abuse involving strangulation and vehicle theft. These posts, some deleted after gaining media attention, led police to raid a Fairgrounds home on Agriculture Street in early June. Massey’s aunt, Shequita Taylor, publicly urged him to surrender, while court records revealed a woman accused of aiding him had suffered years of abuse at his hands. His criminal history paints a troubling picture: a 2007 juvenile detention escape, armed robbery charges, and multiple instances of evading custody. This pattern of defiance made his six-week evasion the longest of his escapes to date.
What’s Next for the NOLA Jail Break Case?
With Massey’s capture, the focus shifts to Derrick Groves, the last fugitive still at large. Authorities remain confident, with Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill stating, “One more to go!” The manhunt continues, with police offering legal support to Groves if he surrenders. Meanwhile, Massey faces additional charges for his role in the escape, and investigations into accomplices, including a jail maintenance worker accused of aiding the breakout, are ongoing. The Orleans Parish Jail faces scrutiny, with officials pledging to address security gaps. The saga has sparked public debate about jail conditions, staffing shortages, and the need for systemic reform to prevent future breaches.
Conclusion
The capture of Antoine Massey, a key fugitive in the NOLA jail break, brings closure to a six-week saga that captivated New Orleans. His arrest underscores the persistence of law enforcement but also highlights deeper issues within the city’s correctional system. As the hunt for Derrick Groves continues, residents are left questioning how such a brazen escape occurred and what steps will ensure it never happens again. Massey’s story, marked by defiance and a troubled past, serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the justice system. For now, the city breathes a sigh of relief, but the final chapter of this jailbreak remains unwritten.
Stay updated on the latest developments in this case by following local news outlets and law enforcement announcements for real-time information on the ongoing manhunt and jail reforms.