4th Person Charged In PA Prison Escape, Accused Murderer At Large

PHILADELPHIA — A fourth person has been charged in connection with the Philadelphia prison escape that occurred Sunday, May 7.

Michael Abrams, 21, of Philadelphia, was taken into custody by U.S. Marshals in Berwyn, Pennsylvania Monday, according to the agency

Abrams is charged with criminal conspiracy, hindering apprehension, escape, and use of a communication facility, court records show.

He is being held on 10 percent of $1 million bail.

Abrams is the fourth person to be charged in connection with Nasir Grant and Ameen Hurst's escape from the Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Center at 10:30 p.m. Sunday, May 7.

The pair escaped through a fence that they cut a hole in, according to authorities.

Grant was taken into custody by U.S. Marshals Service agents and Philadelphia Police Thursday at 28th and Dauphin streets in Philadelphia. He was reportedly disguised as a woman when he was apprehended.

Over the weekend, inmate Jose Flores-Huerta, 35, of Philadelphia, was charged with escape and conspiracy in connection with the incident, in which he is accused of acting as a lookout.

He is being held at the Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Center on murder and related charges for the beating death of 28-year-old Isidro Cortez outside Pat's King of Steaks in Philadelphia on Sept. 16, 2021.

Last week, authorities charged 21-year-old Xianni Stalling, 21, with conspiracy, hindering apprehension, and more crimes in connection with their escape. She is believed to have helped them find a ride after their escape.

Hurst, who is accused of four murders, is still at large.

A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for information leading to Hurst's arrest by the U.S. Marshals Service. The city has also set a reward for $20,000 for information that leads to Hurst's arrest.

Hurst is about 6 feet tall, has black hair and brown eyes, and a tattoo on his left arm reading "ONLY THE FAM!!"

Anyone with information on Hurst's whereabouts is urged to contact the U.S. Marshals Service at 1-800-336-0102, the Philadelphia Police Department at 215-686-8477, or send information to the U.S. Marshals Service online here.

Additionally, information can be submitted by calling or texting 215-686-8477, or online here.

According to NBC10, Local 159 of AFSCME District Council 33 is citing a lack of staffing and budget issues for the escape. Union President David Robinson is calling for Philadelphia Prisons Commissioner Blanche Carney to resign amid the turmoil.

The union said perimeter posts have been unmanned for months, but the city denied that, Fox reports.

Philadelphia prison officials said that characterization is not accurate, saying a document alleging staff shortages was forged.

"The executive staff of the PDP categorically denies this claim," officials said.

However, Mayor Jim Kenney's Office is working with Gov. Josh Shapiro to bring in the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections to conduct a vulnerability assessment.

"The Department of Prisons is committed to identifying any procedural failures that may have allowed the inmates to escape undetected and will update its protocol accordingly to ensure the security of the Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Center and all other facilities under its management," Carney said in a statement.