Authorities investigate second social media post from fugitive Antoine Massey following massive escape
NEW ORLEANS — Authorities are investigating a second social media post allegedly from fugitive Antoine Massey, who escaped from a New Orleans jail over two weeks ago in one of the largest jailbreaks in recent U.S. history.
The latest post, shared on Instagram Wednesday, shows a man with distinctive facial tattoos standing in front of a blue car, identifying himself as “#AntoineMassey.” The account has drawn serious attention from law enforcement officials who say they are treating the post as authentic, though they cannot yet determine when or where the photo was taken.
Ongoing Search Following May 16 Escape
Massey is one of two remaining fugitives following the May 16 escape of 10 inmates from the Orleans Justice Center. The group reportedly lifted a faulty cell door, crawled through a hole behind a toilet, and scaled a barbed wire fence using blankets for protection.
To date, eight of the 10 escapees have been captured. Massey, 32, and convicted murderer Derrick Groves remain on the run.
Massey faces serious charges, including kidnapping, rape, domestic battery involving strangulation, and vehicle theft. In the Instagram video, he declares himself “innocent.”
Backlash and Blame Over Jail Conditions
The jailbreak has sparked widespread criticism of Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson, with state and local officials blaming poor management and crumbling infrastructure at the $150 million facility, which opened just 10 years ago.
Hutson has largely attributed the escape to structural failures and a lack of funding for necessary repairs.
Amazon’s Top 5 Must-Read Books: Don’t Miss These Gems
Law Enforcement Urges Fugitive to Surrender
Deputy U.S. Marshal Brian Fair released a statement urging Massey to turn himself in and pursue legal due process. He added that investigators have not confirmed whether Massey himself posted the image, nor the date it was taken.
Earlier this week, videos believed to be from Massey surfaced online, prompting authorities to raid a nearby New Orleans home. While they didn’t locate Massey, officers recovered clothing matching that worn in the videos.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry publicly urged both Massey and Groves to end the manhunt, stating, “Quit the hide-and-seek game and turn yourselves in.”
