A man who escaped from a New Orleans jail and identifies himself as Antoine Massey appeared in social media videos this week while still on the run, prompting a police raid that failed to locate him.
Authorities say the videos, posted Sunday and later removed, showed a man resembling Massey pleading for help and sparked a search of a New Orleans home Monday night, per the Associated Press.
The incident has raised new questions about how escapees are tracked and the role of social media in law enforcement investigations. Massey is one of two remaining escapees from a group of ten who broke out of jail more than two weeks ago. His public posts may have compromised the investigation and complicated efforts to locate him.
Authorities searched a New Orleans home late Monday after relatives tipped off investigators that Massey had been seen in Instagram videos filmed in a recognizable kitchen. Law enforcement found clothing but no suspect.
Officials say they continue to verify the man's identity in the videos, though facial tattoos and voice recognition strongly suggest it is Massey. Eight of 10 escapees have been recaptured; Massey and another man, convicted murderer Derrick Groves, remain missing.
Massey, 32, was being held on charges including rape, kidnapping, and domestic violence. He also faced charges in Orleans Parish for domestic battery and vehicle theft.
Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson urged Massey to "come forward and turn himself in," noting that cooperation might reduce further legal consequences. Law enforcement officials stressed that justice and due process must be followed.
The videos have since been removed from Instagram. Louisiana State Police, leading the manhunt, have declined to comment on whether they've confirmed Massey's identity in the footage.
Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams recently recused himself from the jailbreak investigation due to a reported conflict of interest. That decision has sparked further debate over the case's handling.
Massey, calling on Trump and rappers such as Lil Wayne in a video: "Please, I'm asking for help. When I get back in custody I'm asking y'all please to come and help."
Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson to Associated Press: "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."
Police continue to search for Massey and Groves as the investigation unfolds. Officials say further updates will follow once the manhunt progresses or Massey is located.