New Orleans Prison Escapee Claims His Innocence, Pleads For Help From Donald Trump, Meek Mill
While authorities maintain Massey was one of several prisoners who fled through a hole behind a toilet in their cell—leaving behind the taunt 'To Easy LoL' scrawled on the wall—Massey tells a different story.
In a video circulating on social media, Massey directly addresses the circumstances surrounding his escape and ongoing legal battle, denying that he broke out of jail. 'They say that I broke out,' Massey said. 'I didn't break out. I was let out.'
The footage shows Massey holding up what he claims is signed documentation from the alleged victim in his domestic abuse case, which he argues supports his innocence. 'If you was an innocent person,' he said, 'why would you stay in jail?'
Massey, now a fugitive alongside fellow escapee Derrick Groves, was being held on charges of vehicle theft and domestic abuse involving strangulation at the time of the escape.
According to CNN, his criminal history includes previous jailbreaks at ages 15 and 27, and reports from law enforcement indicate he has repeatedly tampered with or removed court-ordered GPS monitoring devices.
Despite this, Massey is appealing for support from influential figures, including former U.S. President Donald Trump and rapper-turned-justice-reform-advocate Meek Mill.
Both have previously weighed in on criminal justice reform, and Massey appears to be banking on their voices to help shine a light on what he insists is a miscarriage of justice.
Authorities, however, are not convinced. The Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office released a statement urging Massey to surrender.
'If the individual depicted in the video is indeed Antoine Massey, we strongly urge him to come forward and turn himself in to the proper authorities,' the statement said.
'Cooperating with law enforcement is in his best interest and may help avoid additional charges. It is important that justice is served appropriately and that due process is followed.'
Eight of the 10 inmates have since been captured, while Massey and Groves remain at large.
More than a dozen people have been arrested for aiding the fugitives with food, transportation, money, and shelter.
A $50,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest of either man.
Massey's plea, while unconventional, underscores ongoing tensions between the criminal justice system and those who feel failed by it. Whether his call for help will be answered—and whether he will surrender—remains to be seen.
See Antione Massey's alleged video here.
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