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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 25, 2024
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Verdict Reached in Retrial of Derrick Groves: Justice Delivered for 2018 Mardi Gras Day Killings
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New Orleans, LA – In a pivotal moment for the families of Jamar Robinson and Byron Jackson, as well as for the New Orleans community, a jury delivered a unanimous and powerful verdict last Friday, October 18, 2024, in the case of Derrick Groves. Groves was found guilty on all counts: two charges of second-degree murder and two charges of attempted second-degree murder. The conviction stems from the tragic events of Mardi Gras Day in 2018, when what should have been a day of celebration turned into one of unimaginable loss. The shootings claimed the lives of Jamar Robinson and Byron Jackson, while leaving two other victims physically and emotionally scarred, forever altering their lives.
For the families of Jamar and Byron, this verdict represents the long-awaited culmination of a painful six-year legal journey. The weight of their grief has been immense, a constant presence through every hearing, delay, and setback. While no court decision can bring back their loved ones or fully heal the wounds left by this tragedy, the verdict provides a measure of justice and the hope for some peace moving forward.
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DA Williams Commends Families’ Strength as Justice is Served
“This has been an incredibly difficult road for the families of Jamar and Byron,” said District Attorney Jason Williams. “Their strength and perseverance throughout this legal process have been extraordinary. While this verdict cannot restore what was lost, it affirms that justice can still prevail.”
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Case Gains Attention Amidst Landmark Legal Changes and Unanimous Jury Law
The case garnered widespread attention not only because of the horrific nature of the crime but also due to the numerous trial attempts required to achieve a conviction.
Initially, Groves was convicted in 2019 alongside his co-defendant Kendall Barnes. However, the passage of a new law requiring unanimous jury verdicts for felony cases necessitated a retrial in January 2023. A mistrial was declared after one of the twelve jurors improperly read media accounts of the case, and a subsequent trial in June 2023 ended with a deadlocked jury.
“Being a part of the trial team for the second and third trials, I was able to see up close the re-traumatization of the families and next of kin involved,” said DA Williams.
“The Assistant DAs, Trial Assistants, Victim Witness Advocates, Detectives, and Agents I had the privilege of working with were undeterred and determined to uphold justice. This federal and local partnership is an excellent example of what we can accomplish working together.”
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“This retrial was an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to fairness in our legal system,” DA Williams stated. “Our prosecution team meticulously built a case that not only met the new legal standards but ensured that every juror agreed unanimously on the facts. We wanted a verdict that would stand the test of time, reflecting our dedication to pursuing justice for every victim.”
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Eyewitness Testimonies and Forensic Evidence Seal Groves’ Fate in Mardi Gras Shootings
The evidence against Groves was overwhelming. The prosecution, led by Assistant District Attorneys Forrest Ladd and Zachary Creel, presented a compelling case. Three eyewitnesses courageously testified, identifying Groves and his co-defendant as the gunmen. Cell phone records further dismantled Groves’ alibi, placing him at the scene of the crime, while ballistic testing confirmed the use of AK-47s during the attack on what should have been a joyous Mardi Gras family gathering.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Lyonel Myrthil represented his office, which tied together a masterful multiagency investigation, and spoke of Groves’ history of violence.
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SAC Myrthil Message to the Community: An End to Groves’ Reign of Violence
“The days of Derrick Groves bullying and brutalizing this community are over. The message in this case should be crystal clear to those who choose violence in this city: we will not stop until we do everything in our power to see that justice is served.”
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SAC Myrthil continued, “Unfortunately, the type of violence we saw in this case happens far too often; so often, in fact, that it’s easy—and sometimes understandable—that the community becomes numb to the impact of death. Groves routinely used violence to lash out and silence witnesses or ‘snitches.’ There was no doubt in the minds of anyone involved in this case that Groves would continue his bloody rampage on the streets of New Orleans if he weren’t stopped. We hope this guilty verdict and the life sentence that accompanies it will give the community renewed confidence and hope in law enforcement.”
Myrthil closed by celebrating his agents and touting the vital partnerships that made this investigation and prosecution possible, stating: “I want to commend FBI Special Agent James Ollinger, as well as the DA’s Office, officers, and intel personnel from the Violent Crimes Task Force and Gang Task Force who worked tirelessly alongside our federal partners from the ATF and DEA.”
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Homicide Unit Assistant DA Forrest Ladd, who served as lead prosecutor in each of the Groves retrials, expressed his appreciation to DA Williams, the NOPD, FBI, the families, and witnesses who were all critical to today’s outcome. ADA Ladd added:
“This has been a long journey for these families, and this is a great day for the city of New Orleans. Derrick Groves is a heinous criminal who reigned terror in the Lower Ninth Ward for well over a decade, and that reign of terror has ended. In fact, today, Derrick Groves pled to two additional murder cases, in the deaths of Tyrone Smith and Woodrow Smith. So this is a great day for justice and a moment of deserved accountability for a wanted murderer.”
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Beyond the physical evidence, Groves’ social media activity played a chilling role in the prosecution’s case. His posts in the days following the murders revealed not only an alarming familiarity with the weapons used but also brazenly boasted about the violence, with Groves taking credit for the killings.
“This was a case built not only on evidence but on a tireless pursuit of justice,” said DA Williams. “Our goal was not just to win but to bring closure to the families who have suffered so much. We owe our deepest thanks to the dedicated team of law enforcement officers and legal professionals who made this verdict possible.”
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Relentless Teamwork Between Law Enforcement and Prosecutors Paves the Way for Justice
Special acknowledgment was given to the New Orleans Police Department, particularly Lead Detective Maggie Darling, whose unyielding determination and collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Investigation were integral in solving this case. Recognition was also given to FBI Special Agent James Ollinger, Special Agent in Charge Lyonel Myrthil, and forensic experts such as Agent William “Chuck” Williams, Crystal Bender, and Kenneth Leary. Their combined efforts ensured that every piece of evidence was uncovered and every question answered.
DA Williams also extended his heartfelt thanks to the prosecution team at the DA’s office, including Homicide Unit ADAs Forrest Ladd and Zach Creel, Trial Assistant Alecia Richards, Victim Witness Advocate Angele Crawford, and Investigator Adrian Malone. Their work exemplified dedication, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to seeing justice done.
“To the families of Jamar Robinson and Byron Jackson, we recognize that this verdict cannot heal all wounds, but we hope it brings some measure of peace. Your courage and resolve have been a constant source of inspiration.”
As the community now looks ahead, attention will turn to the sentencing of Derrick Groves, scheduled for December 5, 2024, before Judge Kimya Holmes in Section D. While this chapter may be nearing its conclusion, the pursuit of justice will continue, with efforts soon focusing on holding co-defendant Kendall Barnes accountable for his role in this heartbreaking tragedy.
“Our work is far from over,” DA Williams added. “We will continue to stand with the victims and their families, seeking justice for every life lost to senseless violence. That is our commitment to this community.”
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