Derrick Groves—also known by the alias “Woo”—has become a notorious and controversial figure in recent years. His story spans tragic family history, multiple criminal convictions, dramatic trials, and a daring jailbreak that left him a fugitive.
The saga of Groves raises questions about justice, security, and community trauma in New Orleans. In this blog, we explore his life, crimes, escape, and the ongoing search to bring him back into custody. Below are 11 detailed sections offering a fuller, factual picture of Derrick Groves and his impact.
Early Life and Family Background
Derrick Groves was born June 19, 1997, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He grew up in a troubled environment in the Lower Ninth Ward, a part of the city marked by socioeconomic challenges.
His grandmother, Kim Groves, was murdered in a notorious case in 1994 at the orders of a corrupt police officer, which left a deep mark on his family’s history. That event and other early losses reportedly shaped his mistrust of law enforcement and his mindset entering adulthood.
Schooling, Influence & Early Criminal Activity
Groves dropped out of school around the ninth grade, curtailing formal education. In his teenage years, he became involved in drug dealing, including heroin distribution in the Lower Ninth Ward.
His behavior attracted law enforcement attention early. His social media activity also drew scrutiny, reportedly showing familiarity with firearms and sometimes boasting about violent acts. Those early moves foreshadowed his later involvement in serious crimes.
First Major Charges & Legal Battles
At age 17, in 2014, Groves was charged with attempted second-degree murder. He was held in custody for nearly two years before being acquitted by a jury. That early case raised questions about his environment, legal representation, and whether the justice system was a deterrent or trigger in his later decisions.
The 2018 Mardi Gras Day Shootings
One of the most infamous acts attributed to Groves occurred in 2018 on Mardi Gras Day, during a family block party in New Orleans. Prosecutors claim Groves and an accomplice opened fire using AK-47 style rifles, killing Jamar Robinson and Byron Jackson, and wounding others. That event became central to his most serious criminal case and the focus of multiple trials.
Trials, Convictions & Retrials
The legal proceedings in Groves’ case were complex. After an initial conviction, changes in Louisiana law requiring unanimous jury verdicts forced retrials. The second retrial in October 2024 resulted in a unanimous conviction on two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder. Prosecutors relied on eyewitnesses, ballistic tests, cell phone records, and Groves’s own social media posts to build their case.
Additional Charges & Sentencing Delays
Aside from the 2018 murders, Groves faced other manslaughter and battery charges, including an admission of battery of a correctional officer while in detention. Delays in the court system, suspensions of attorneys, and recusal of judges prolonged the timeline before he could be formally sentenced. As of his escape, his life sentence had not yet been finalized.
The 2025 Jail Break and Escape
On May 16, 2025, Groves was one of ten inmates who escaped from the Orleans Parish Justice Center. The escape happened through a hole behind a toilet, aided by the shutdown of water systems, removal of fixtures, and possibly inside help. Other escapees were quickly recaptured, but Groves remains at large as of recent updates. His escape has triggered a high-profile manhunt.
How He Avoided Capture (So Far)
Groves has evaded capture by maintaining a low profile, leveraging his local ties, and reportedly receiving assistance from acquaintances. Authorities believe he is moving across neighborhoods, staying in the lower Ninth Ward area, and possibly being sheltered by contacts.
Allegations exist that a former jail employee, who was also a romantic partner, helped coordinate communications to evade detection. A reward (up to $50,000) is now offered for credible leads.
Community Reactions & Social Media Support
Despite his convictions, some segments of the public have expressed support for Groves on social media, using hashtags like #StayFreeWoo. Many supporters reference the murder of his grandmother and systemic injustice as reasons for sympathy. Meanwhile, victims’ families and law enforcement appeal for his capture, hoping the verdicts bring closure. This mix of support and condemnation underlines tensions in New Orleans’ social fabric.
Impacts on Law Enforcement & Jail Reform
Groves’s escape has sparked scrutiny of jail security practices, staffing, infrastructure, and oversight in New Orleans. State leadership has ordered investigations, reforms, and audits of pretrial detention systems.
The case highlights how delays in sentencing can expose vulnerabilities: had Groves already been fully incarcerated in a secure facility, the escape might have been prevented. The breach has pressured city officials and the sheriff’s office to justify their funding, policies, and oversight.
Future Prospects & What to Watch
What happens next is uncertain but critical. Authorities assert they will not relent until Groves is recaptured. Most escapees in U.S. prisons are recaptured within a year, but the longer he remains free, the harder tracking becomes. If caught, Groves will almost certainly receive life sentences without parole and possible additional charges for escape. Meanwhile, his case will continue stirring debates about criminal justice reform, prison security, community trauma, and how to break cycles of violence in vulnerable neighborhoods.
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