Sources close to WDSU confirm that one of the escaped inmates, Derrick Groves, is the grandson of Kim Groves.
Groves was a 32-year-old mother of three when she was gunned down in the 9th ward in October of 1994. Specifically along Alabo Street in the Lower 9th Ward. The hit was ordered by corrupt NOPD officer Len Davis.
WDSU reporter Shay O’Connor went back to the area and spoke exclusively with neighbors who want Groves to turn himself in.
Three decades later, a fresh arrangement of flowers is consistently placed here where Groves was shot and killed. Neighbors said the shooting happened in front of her kids.
“It hurt the whole neighborhood. Because everyone knew her. How do you kill this person and it not impact the whole family?” said a friend of Groves.
A home where a vibrant family once lived now sits abandoned. The Groves name still visible on a post. Feet away that flower arrangement covers the spot of a crime scene from back in 1994.
“My son ran in the house saying, ‘They just shot Kim. They just shot Kim.’ I said ”What? For what?”
The woman said she remembers the day Groves was killed. Groves was said to have witnessed Davis beating someone in her neighborhood. In 1996, Davis was convicted of her murder. Recently, President Joe Biden commuted his sentence to life in prison. WDSU’s Shay O’Connor did a story on this in January.
Groves’ grandson, Derrick, is said to have grown up knowing about the tragedy.
“That’s a painful thing. Something you never ever forget.”
Over 30 years later, Derrick Groves, 27, is one of 10 men to escape Orleans Justice Center on May 16.
Groves, also known as “Woo,” is a four-time convicted killer.
Those who know him said his life was filled with unfortunate circumstances, including the murder of his brother, along with the death of his grandmother. His grandmother was killed before Groves was born.
“You are supposed to be able to trust the police. Why would you? You killed my grandmother.”
The 9th Ward community hopes he will turn himself in.
“I hope they don’t kill him. I hope they don’t put him in a situation where they have to kill him. I hope he turns himself in. If only to give his family peace of mind.”
As of right now, Groves and four others are still on the loose.
If you know anything that could lead to their arrests, call law enforcement.
READ MORE:Escaped inmate Derrick Groves is the grandson of Kim Groves; Killed by former NOPD officer Len Davis
