Let me start with a grim but honest question: when a story like this crosses your feed, do you ever wonder why it happened? The “why” often helps us see the bigger picture. Today, we’re breaking down who Derrick Groves killed — and why — through the events, motives, and fallout surrounding his case.
The Victims: Who Did Derrick Groves Kill?
In February 2018, during a Mardi Gras–style block party in New Orleans, Byron Jackson (26) and Jamar Robinson (21) were shot and killed. The tragic shooting also left others wounded, leading to multiple counts of attempted murder.
When the case went to trial, Groves was convicted of two counts of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. Prosecutors described the attack as a deliberate and violent act tied to ongoing disputes.
Why Did He Do It? Understanding the Motive
The exact motive behind the killings isn’t simple, but investigators and prosecutors have outlined several factors that shaped the crime.
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Feud and Retaliation
Evidence suggested Groves was involved in a feud with local rivals. The shooting appeared to be an act of retaliation rather than a random attack. -
Control and Fear
Court records described Groves as using intimidation to silence witnesses — a tactic common among those trying to avoid arrest or weaken investigations. -
Escalation of Violence
Groves had already been connected to other violent incidents over roughly 18 months. The block-party murders were part of a disturbing pattern of escalating aggression.
While the spark for that night’s shooting remains debated, it’s clear the crime stemmed from power struggles, retaliation, and long-standing tension within the community.
Timeline: What Happened Step by Step
Early Arrests and Trial
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Groves was linked to several shootings prior to 2018 and faced numerous attempted murder charges.
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In 2024, he was convicted of the murders of Byron Jackson and Jamar Robinson.
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His first retrial ended in a mistrial, but a later retrial brought a guilty verdict and life sentence.
The 2025 Jailbreak
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On May 16, 2025, Groves and nine other inmates escaped from the Orleans Parish Justice Center in New Orleans.
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The group removed a toilet fixture and crawled through a hole in the wall to escape.
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Guards later found a mocking message left behind: “To Easy LOL.”
The Manhunt and Capture
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Groves remained on the run for nearly five months — the last of the escapees to be captured.
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A Crime Stoppers tip led authorities to an Atlanta home, where he was found hiding in a crawl space beneath the house.
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Officers used tear gas and K-9 units during the arrest. They also discovered a firearm and about 15 pounds of marijuana in the home.
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In October 2025, Groves waived extradition and agreed to return to Louisiana to face additional escape charges.
Did You Know?
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Did you know? Groves’ grandmother, Kim Groves, was murdered in 1994 by a corrupt New Orleans police officer after she reported him for misconduct. That family history has often been cited when discussing his life and background.
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The “To Easy LOL” message left in the jail became a viral symbol of how daring — and shocking — the escape was.
Q&A: Common Questions About the Case
Q: Was Derrick Groves retried before his final conviction?
A: Yes. Due to Louisiana’s law requiring unanimous jury verdicts in felony cases, Groves was retried. His first retrial ended in a mistrial, but he was eventually convicted.
Q: Is Groves facing more charges now?
A: Yes. He faces aggravated escape and related charges following the 2025 jailbreak.
Q: Did Groves have help escaping?
A: Investigators believe he did. Reports suggest a former correctional officer, who was allegedly in a relationship with Groves, helped coordinate his escape and may face charges herself.
Personal Take & Reflection
When I first read about this case, I couldn’t help but think about how cycles of violence can run deep — sometimes through families, generations, and entire communities. It’s tragic on every level: lives lost, families shattered, and opportunities wasted.
It also highlights how flawed systems and human choices collide. Crime like this isn’t just about one moment; it’s a chain of decisions, pressures, and pain that explode into violence.
In short: Derrick Groves killed Byron Jackson and Jamar Robinson during a block-party shooting in 2018, motivated by personal feuds and a violent history that later spiraled into an escape and recapture saga.
What do you think this case reveals about crime, justice, or rehabilitation? Share your thoughts below — I’d love to hear different perspectives.