Daijiworld Media Network - New Orleans

New Orleans, Jun 28: One of the final two escapees from a dramatic jailbreak at the New Orleans Justice Center has been captured, Louisiana authorities confirmed on Friday. Antoine Massey, 32, was arrested from a home just two miles from the jail after nearly six weeks on the run.

Massey, known for his distinctive face tattoos of chess pieces, was facing charges of domestic abuse and vehicle theft before his May 16 escape with nine others. The mass breakout went unnoticed for over seven hours and sparked a multi-state manhunt. With Massey’s arrest, only Derrick Groves, convicted of murder, remains on the run.

Authorities said Massey peacefully surrendered after police surrounded the house around 3:30 pm. He had earlier posted a video on social media proclaiming his innocence. Investigators are probing whether anyone helped hide him.

“This is a major step forward in our efforts to restore order and accountability,” said Sheriff Susan Hutson, who has faced criticism over jail mismanagement and poor security. She revealed the escapees may have had inside help, and one maintenance worker has already been arrested.

The daring escape involved inmates removing a toilet and making a hole in a wall. The incident led to panic among prosecutors and victims, and drew attention to security lapses at the overcrowded jail.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill praised the arrest, saying, “One more to go!” New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick urged Groves to surrender, warning, “You will be taken into custody.”

Massey is being transferred to the maximum-security Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola. Authorities continue to investigate the escape and promised tighter security measures, including razor wire and upgraded locks.