Guilty Plea Covers 28 Counts, Including Murder and Escape Charges
In a dramatic court appearance on Friday, Ameen Hurst, a 20-year-old who infamously escaped from prison last year after facing multiple murder charges, pleaded guilty to 28 criminal counts. Hurst admitted to four counts of third-degree murder, two counts of attempted murder, and various other charges, including conspiracy, firearms violations, and prison escape. Shackled to a wooden chair, Hurst entered his plea in front of a Philadelphia courtroom, ending a prolonged criminal saga that shocked the community.
Hurst’s Violent Past and Gang Ties
Hurst, who was initially arrested in 2021 at the age of 16, faced charges for four homicides and two armed robberies. Authorities alleged he was affiliated with two Philadelphia gangs responsible for escalating violence across the city. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that his young age and gang connections were central factors in his violent actions, underscoring the tragedy of lives lost.
Escape and Recapture: A Security Breach
Hurst and fellow inmate Nasir Grant escaped from the Philadelphia Industrial Correction Center in May of the previous year, exploiting a hole in a fence surrounding a recreation area. Their absence went unnoticed for almost 19 hours due to what officials cited as “switched-off motion sensors and a sleeping guard.” Grant was recaptured after four days, but Hurst evaded authorities for ten days before being apprehended.
Several individuals were charged with aiding the escapees, which led to further scrutiny and questions about security protocols at the prison. Hurst’s ten-day run included renting a recording studio to produce a new rap song, which he later released online, adding to the notoriety surrounding his case.
Prosecutors Welcome Plea, Highlight Victim Impact
Assistant District Attorney Anthony Voci expressed satisfaction with Hurst’s guilty plea, noting that it would spare the victims’ families a lengthy and emotionally taxing trial. “It’s difficult to imagine that four young lives were extinguished by somebody who was 16 years old. That’s a tragedy in and of itself,” Voci stated. Assistant District Attorney Brett Zakeosian also highlighted Hurst’s disturbing lack of remorse, noting that Hurst reportedly laughed about the murders in recorded calls from prison.
Sentencing Scheduled
Hurst’s defense attorney, Gary Silver, declined to comment on the guilty plea. Hurst’s sentencing is set for two weeks from now, with the court expected to issue a severe penalty given the seriousness of the crimes.
