Full Breakdown
Derrick Groves Sentenced to Life for 2018 Double Murder Following Jail Escape
12/13/2025, 3:57:34 AM
Overview of the Case
Derrick Groves, a 28-year-old inmate, was sentenced to two life sentences on December 12, 2025, for his role in a 2018 double murder during a Mardi Gras party in New Orleans. Groves was convicted of killing Jamar Robinson and Byron Jackson, and he also pleaded guilty to manslaughter in a separate case involving two additional fatalities. His sentencing follows a high-profile escape from Orleans Parish Jail in May 2025, where he was part of a group of ten inmates who fled through a hole behind a toilet, leaving graffiti that read "To Easy LoL."
The Court's Sentencing Remarks
During the sentencing, Orleans Parish Judge Dennis Waldron expressed his disapproval of Groves' actions, stating that his escape caused significant disruption and concern. The judge highlighted Groves' lack of remorse, noting that the city would be safer with him imprisoned for life. Waldron referenced Groves' past, including the tragic murder of his grandmother, Kim Groves, by a corrupt police officer in 1994, emphasizing that Groves chose a path of violence instead of honoring her memory.
Victims' Families Speak Out
Kadijah Jackson, the sister of one of the victims, shared her grief in court, recalling the moment she found her brother dying after Groves shot him with an AK-style rifle. She described the lasting impact of his death on her life. Groves reportedly smirked during her testimony, which further angered the victims' families. Prosecutors emphasized that the focus should remain on the lives lost rather than Groves' notoriety.
Details of the Escape and Capture
Groves was the last of the escapees to be captured, found hiding beneath a house in Atlanta two months after the jailbreak. His capture involved a standoff with law enforcement, during which he was seen blowing kisses to cameras, an act that Judge Waldron described as a "final act of defiance." In addition to the life sentences for the murders, Groves received two 50-year sentences for attempted murder related to the shooting.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Despite his convictions, Groves' attorney, Peter Freiberg, stated that Groves maintains his innocence and plans to appeal the verdicts. Groves still faces separate charges related to his escape from jail, which adds another layer to his legal troubles.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Derrick Groves marks a significant moment for the victims' families and the New Orleans community, bringing closure to a case that has spanned several years and multiple trials. The judge's remarks and the emotional testimonies from victims' families underscore the profound impact of Groves' actions on the community and the ongoing quest for justice.
