A New Orleans man claiming to be an escapee from jail, identified as Antoine Massey, posted videos on social media while eluding authorities, prompting a police raid that ultimately failed to capture him. The police acted on the belief that the videos, filmed at a location just over 3.7 kilometres from the jail, were genuine. This belief was reinforced by tips from relatives who recognised the residence featured in the recordings. However, authorities did not find Massey at the address during their late-night search on Monday, although they did uncover clothing believed to be associated with him.
The homeowner, Shedrick Burnell, expressed surprise but remained unfazed, remarking, “I’m 76, I’ve seen a helluva lot worse than this.” He only mentioned that the property was rented and did not know Massey prior to the jailbreak. A nearby construction site showed signs of disturbance likely caused by the police search efforts.
Massey, along with convicted murderer Derrick Groves, is one of the last two escapees still on the run following an audacious breakout involving ten inmates on May 16. While eight have since been recaptured, police are maintaining a substantial reward of US$50,000 (A$77,000) for information leading to the capture of each remaining escapee.
The Louisiana State Police, overseeing the hunt, have remained tight-lipped about whether the videos confirming Massey’s identity have been authenticated. The search was intensified after Massey’s videos were posted online, where he called for assistance from figures such as President Donald Trump and rapper Lil Wayne. Authorities are wary, as State Police Superintendent Col. Robert Hodges noted, the situation is fluid and often changes with new information.
Massey’s criminal history includes serious charges such as rape, kidnapping, domestic violence, and theft, stemming from incidents last November. He has publicly maintained his innocence, claiming in videos that he was “let out” of jail. Additionally, a woman linked to him has been arrested for obstructing justice, accused of foreknowledge of his escape and communications with him post-escape.
Louisiana’s Governor Jeff Landry has urged Massey and Groves to surrender, stating it would be in their best interest to cooperate with law enforcement to avoid further charges. The escapees exploited a faulty cell door and removed a toilet to escape the facility, marking a significant lapse in security at the jail. A maintenance worker, accused of assisting the escapees, has denied any wrongdoing through legal representation.
Authorities continue to urge the public for tips while maintaining vigilance in their search for Massey and Groves.