Search Continues for Escaped Philadelphia Prisoner Shane Pryor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — The search for 17-year-old Shane Pryor, a Philadelphia prisoner who escaped custody at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, has entered its second day. Pryor, an inmate at the Juvenile Justice Center in West Philadelphia, managed to escape from staff on Wednesday while being treated for a hand injury in CHOP’s emergency room parking lot at 34th and Spruce Streets.

Since his escape, law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service in Philadelphia, have been actively searching for Pryor. Reports suggest that Pryor has approached several individuals, asking to borrow their cellphones. However, it remains unclear if he has been successful in contacting anyone.

Pryor’s mother has spoken out, expressing her desire for her son to turn himself in. She believes that he ran away out of fear, stating, “He’s been in there since he was 14, he still has a 14-year-old mentality, even though he’s 17.” She also claims that Pryor is innocent and blames the juvenile justice system for failing her family. According to her, a co-defendant involved in the case may be the actual shooter, and Pryor is terrified of him. The co-defendant is currently incarcerated in the same prison where Pryor was held, raising concerns for Pryor’s safety.

Describing Pryor’s physical appearance, the police have provided details that may aid in his identification. He is approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighs 180 pounds, and was last seen wearing a blue sweatshirt.

If anyone has information regarding Pryor’s whereabouts, they are urged to call 911 or contact the tip line at 1-877-WANTED-2.

Connection to Murder Case

Pryor was awaiting trial for the murder of Tanya Harris, which took place in the Holmesburg section of Northeast Philadelphia in October 2020. According to investigators, Pryor and a co-defendant attempted to solicit sex from Harris. When she refused, Pryor allegedly shot her in the head.

The affidavit of probable cause in the case reveals that Harris’ body was discovered in an alcove behind a business on Torresdale Avenue near Shelmire Street. Surveillance footage from a nearby establishment captured Harris with a boy, identified as Pryor, wearing a Gap-branded hoodie. Around 50 minutes later, the footage shows Harris with two boys in the same alcove where her body was eventually found. The two boys were seen running from the area and later returning, possibly to search for something.

Pryor was later stopped by police in the neighborhood, where he provided a fake name and attempted to flee. During subsequent questioning, Pryor admitted to soliciting sex from Harris but claimed that another male, dressed in all black and aged 25-30, was the one who shot her. Pryor stated that he did not know the man’s name. However, investigators later determined that the male seen in the surveillance footage with Pryor was actually a 14 or 15-year-old, not an adult.

The search for Shane Pryor is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. As the investigation continues, the Philadelphia community remains vigilant in the hopes of locating the escaped prisoner and ensuring public safety.