PHILADELPHIA — A man who eluded authorities after being charged with four murders has admitted guilt for his crimes following a period of escape. Ameen Hurst, now 20 years old, appeared in court on Friday while shackled to a wooden chair and entered a plea for a total of 28 charges, which included four counts of third-degree murder, two counts of attempted murder, along with escape, conspiracy, and firearms-related offenses, according to reports from The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Hurst, who was arrested at the age of 16 in 2021, faced allegations of involvement in four homicides and two armed robberies. Law enforcement indicated that he had connections with two rival gangs from Philadelphia that were linked to a series of violent incidents throughout the city.
In May of the previous year, Hurst made a break from the Philadelphia Industrial Correction Center, alongside another inmate, Nasir Grant. While Grant was apprehended after four days, Hurst remained at large for ten days before he was ultimately recaptured.
Officials detailed how the two inmates managed their escape by cutting a hole in a fence surrounding a recreation area within the prison. It was nearly 19 hours before prison officials realized they were missing, a lapse attributed to deactivated motion sensors and a guard who had fallen asleep. Several individuals have faced charges related to aiding the escapees as well.
Assistant District Attorney Anthony Voci expressed a sense of satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing that the resolution will spare the victims’ families the trauma of a prolonged trial. Nonetheless, he remarked on the sorrowful nature of the case, noting that it is “hard to fathom that four young lives were taken by someone who was just 16 years old,” underscoring the tragic circumstances involved.
Voci also commented on Hurst’s demeanor while incarcerated, revealing that he reportedly laughed about the murders during phone calls from prison, displaying a chilling lack of remorse. Another Assistant District Attorney, Brett Zakeosian, mentioned that during his time on the run, Hurst had rented a recording studio where he recorded and later released a new rap song online.
Defense attorney Gary Silver chose not to make any statements following the proceedings. Hurst is anticipated to receive his sentencing in the next two weeks.
