New Orleans Jailbreak: Manhunt & Sheriff-DA Feud
- A war of words has erupted between Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason williams and Sheriff Susan Hutson following a massive jailbreak in New Orleans.
- The dispute escalated after hutson filed a lawsuit seeking to prevent Williams from investigating the New Orleans jailbreak.
- Williams criticized the sheriff's office, stating, "The Sheriff’s Office’s time and resources were clearly misspent this week, and once again, this office finds itself two steps behind the...
A massive New Orleans jailbreak has ignited a fierce feud, pitting Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams against Sheriff Susan Hutson. Ten inmates escaped, sparking a crisis of leadership and accusations of investigative bias. Two weeks after the jail escape, the manhunt continues for the remaining fugitives as authorities ramp up efforts to recapture the escapees. The conflict escalated when Hutson sued to prevent Williams from investigating, leading to a war of words.Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has launched an independent probe into this high-profile case. Learn about the $100,000 reward offered and the ongoing investigation covered by News Directory 3. Discover what’s next …
New Orleans jailbreak Sparks Feud Between DA and Sheriff
Updated May 30, 2025
A war of words has erupted between Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason williams and Sheriff Susan Hutson following a massive jailbreak in New Orleans. The prison escape of 10 inmates from the Orleans Parish Justice Center on May 16 has led to finger-pointing and accusations between the two officials.
The dispute escalated after hutson filed a lawsuit seeking to prevent Williams from investigating the New Orleans jailbreak. Williams responded by questioning the sheriff’s leadership and suggesting a compromised investigation. He stated that jail leadership should have immediately requested an autonomous forensic processing of the scene.
Williams criticized the sheriff’s office, stating, “The Sheriff’s Office’s time and resources were clearly misspent this week, and once again, this office finds itself two steps behind the moment.”
Hutson’s motion to recuse Williams was settled out of court in a meeting with judge nandi Campbell. Hutson had cited Williams’ support for her opponent in an upcoming election as a reason for his alleged bias.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill’s office is leading the investigation into the jailbreak. Murrill affirmed her commitment to an independent investigation and pledged to provide recommendations to prevent future escapes.She posted on X, stating her intention to conduct an independent investigation into how the ten violent inmates escaped.
Two weeks after the jail escape, two inmates remain at large: Derrick Groves, convicted of double homicide, and Antoine Massey, a serial escapee. Authorities have increased the reward for information leading to their capture to $50,000 per inmate.
A jail cell broken out of by New Orleans inmates (left), Orleans Parish DA Jason Williams (top right) and Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson (bottom right). The two officials are engaged in a war of words over the jailbreak failure.(Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office/Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office/AP)
authorities have arrested 14 people for assisting the escapees. Eight of the ten escapees have been apprehended.
New Orleans DA Jason Williams was funded by George Soros in his campaign efforts before being sworn into office in January 2021. (New Orleans DA’s Office)
Ten inmates escaped from the jail, according to authorities. (Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office / WVUE)
Two inmates,including a four-time convicted killer,are still on the loose after the jailbreak. (Louisiana state Police)
What’s next
The manhunt continues for Groves and Massey as law enforcement agencies coordinate to bring them back into custody. The investigation into the systemic failures that allowed the escape is ongoing.