A man who claims to be an escapee from a New Orleans jail has created a stir by posting videos on social media while still evading authorities, prompting a police raid that ultimately did not lead to his capture.
Authorities were confident that the videos belonged to Antoine Massey, who escaped from jail on May 16 along with nine other inmates.
A senior law enforcement official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed to the Associated Press that police conducted a search late Monday of a residence just over 2 miles from the jail, where the videos were believed to have been filmed.
While Massey was not found at the location, police did discover clothing that they believe he wore during the video recordings.
Homeowner Shedrick Burnell, who reported that the property was being rented, expressed a casual demeanor regarding the incident.
Burnell remarked over the phone, “I’m 76, I’ve seen a helluva lot worse than this. As long as my tenant is safe, there’s nothing I can do.”
In the vicinity, neighbors expressed their unease. Tariq Aldahir, an electrician working on a nearby house, described the situation as “a little scary,” especially if Massey is indeed as dangerous as authorities suggest.
Aldahir noted, “He’s desperate — any human being who is desperate, there’s no limit to what they can do.”
The videos were first made public online on Sunday, and relatives of Massey apparently tipped off authorities about the footage, having recognized the filming location.
Louisiana State Police, who are spearheading the search for Massey and another escapee, Derrick Groves, have not yet confirmed whether they have verified the identity of the person in the videos.
Although eight of the ten escapees have been recaptured, authorities are under pressure to locate the remaining duo, with a significant reward of $50,000 being offered for information leading to their capture.
Col. Robert Hodges, Superintendent of the Louisiana State Police, acknowledged the fluid nature of investigations, stating, “Things change at a moment’s notice and it’s usually because someone has helped them.”
In the recorded videos, which have since been removed from Instagram, Massey is seen appealing for assistance from various prominent figures and members of the public.
“Please, I’m asking for help,” he said, notably mentioning President Donald Trump and New Orleans rapper Lil Wayne, urging them to support him when he is eventually back in custody.
Authorities are also attempting to persuade Massey to surrender, with Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson releasing a statement urging him to cooperate with law enforcement.
Hutson stated, “Cooperating with law enforcement is in his best interest and may help avoid additional charges.”
Massey, aged 32, faces a multitude of serious charges, including rape, kidnapping, domestic violence involving strangulation, and violation of a protective order from incidents in November 2024.
In addition, he has charges for motor vehicle theft and domestic battery pending in Orleans Parish.
Despite the gravity of the allegations against him, Massey maintains his innocence, claiming in the videos that he was “let out” of jail.
Authorities have also arrested a woman identified as being in a troubled relationship with Massey, apparently having witnessed his abusive behavior.
This woman has been charged with obstruction of justice and as a principal in the aggravated escape, with police asserting that she was aware of his plans prior to the jailbreak and misled law enforcement afterward.
During a press event, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry urged both Massey and Groves to stop evading capture.
Landry stated, “Quit the hide-and-seek game” and turn themselves in, emphasizing the need for them to face justice.
Video footage from the jailbreak reveals a rather audacious escape plan, where inmates managed to force open a faulty cell door, remove a toilet, and crawl through a hole created by cut steel bars before utilizing blanks to clear a barbed wire fence.
In connection to the escape, a maintenance worker has been charged, although he has denied any wrongdoing through his legal representation.
As the search continues, authorities remain committed to bringing Massey and Groves back into custody, determined to ensure public safety and resolve the escape.
This ongoing situation highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement as they work to manage such high-stakes manhunts.
image source from：https://apnews.com/article/new-orleans-jailbreak-video-fugitive-antoine-massey-83c223cd32922f0074305a0544bf1aec
