Authorities have announced that they are investigating a second social media post within a week. This post allegedly showcases Antoine Massey, a fugitive who escaped over two weeks ago from a jail in New Orleans.
The recent Instagram post, believed to have been published on Wednesday, portrays a man standing in front of a blue car and featuring the same distinctive facial tattoos as Massey. The man identifies himself as “#AntoineMassey”. At this time, it remains uncertain when or where this photo was taken; however, according to reliable sources, the authorities are treating the post as if it’s authentic.
On May 16, ten inmates, including Massey, made a daring escape from the jail. The group reportedly manipulated a faulty cell door, crawled through a hole in a wall behind a toilet where steel bars had been cut, and scaled a barbed wire fence using blankets for protection. This was one of the largest jailbreaks recorded in recent U.S. history.
The incident has drawn harsh criticism from state and local officials toward Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson. Hutson has primarily attributed the jailbreak to inadequate infrastructure and an inability to introduce necessary improvements at the 10-year-old, $150 million facility. Eight of the escapees have since been apprehended, however, Massey, along with convicted murderer Derrick Groves, remain at large.
In the Instagram post, the individual claiming to be Massey professed his innocence. Massey, 32, is facing charges including kidnapping, rape, domestic battery involving strangulation, and motor vehicle theft. Deputy U.S. Marshal Brian Fair has urged Massey to turn himself in and proceed through the appropriate legal channels for his upcoming court date.
Reports indicate that earlier this week, authorities raided a New Orleans home, just over two miles from the jail, following the emergence of other social media videos believed to have been made by Massey. Only some of the clothing suspected to have been worn by Massey in the videos was found in the residence. The evidence suggests, and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry concurs, that Massey and Groves should cease their evasion and surrender themselves to the authorities.
The pursuit of Massey and Groves continues, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement and the justice system. We’ll continue to monitor this developing situation and keep you informed on any new developments.
