Prison Escape Update: The Manhunt is Over with 2nd Escapee Ameen Hurst Captured

Both inmates captured and others arrested in connection with the organized escape

Wanted postersPhoto byWGAL

After two weeks, the 2nd prison escapee from Holmesburg Correctional Center was captured without incident on May 17, 2023. This story made local and national headlines and news reports because of the unfolding details of this daring escape and multiple arrests that were made during the first few days of the investigation.

Hurst was captured with his brother and mother after failing to turn himself in according to Fox 29. The Philadelphia Inquirer said:

“Beyond the escape, Hurst is accused of killing four people and critically injuring two others in three separate shootings in less than three months. One of those homicides occurred near the front gates of another city jail: the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility. In March 2021, police say, Hurst killed 20-year-old Rodney Hargrove an hour after Hargrove had been released from the facility and was waiting outside for relatives to pick him up… Authorities now believe the shooting was a case of mistaken identity.”

In a previous article, I covered how the first escapee and two alleged accomplices were arrested. To date, three people have been arrested for allegedly helping to plan and aid in the escape. The arrests include another inmate, friends, and family members of the prisoners. Countless others are under investigation due to the literal blind spots, and security and protocol breaches, like the numerous head counts that were missed at the prison that led to the escape of the two inmates. The manhunt covered several states and involved city, state, and federal agencies.

Preliminary reports from the board of prisons is under review to determine what changes policy and staff changes need to be made to prevent this from happening again.

Thank you for reading.