Prisoners Who Escaped PA Jail Had Accomplice, Police Say

PHILADELPHIA — While the two Philadelphia prison escapees are still at large, authorities in Philadelphia said a woman helped coordinate their escape and charges have been filed.

Court records show Xianni Stalling, 21, is charged with conspiracy, hindering apprehension, and more crimes in connection with the escape of Nasir Grant, 24, and Ameen Hurst, 18 from the Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Center.

She is being held on 10 percent of $500,000 bail.

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Stalling spoke on the phone with one of the two escapees before they made their way out of the facility.

Authorities told the Inquirer that she is believed to have helped them find a ride after their escape.

Grant and Hurst escaped through a fence that they cut a hole in, according to authorities.

Rewards of up to $5,000 are being offered for information leading to each person's arrest by the U.S. Marshals Service.

The city has also set a reward for $20,000 for information that leads to an arrest of either escaped inmate.

Hurst is about 6 feet tall, has black hair and brown eyes, and a tattoo on his left arm reading "ONLY THE FAM!!" He was being held on murder charges after authorities said he killed four people. Hurst is accused of shooting and killing a man on Christmas Eve 2020, shooting and killing two people and hurting two others in March 2021, and fatally shooting and killing a man outside the same facility he escaped from about a week later.

Grant is about 5 feet 9 inches tall and was being held on narcotics and gun violations. He also has a left arm tattoo reading "DEDICATION."

Both Hurst and Grant are considered to be armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information on their 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.