Convicted killer's aunt, Tonya Grant, charged in connection with Kankakee escape

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Tonya Grant, 50, is accused of helping her nephew Kamron Taylor, 23, in his escape from the Kankakee County Jail.

The convicted killer was arrested in Chicago late Friday after three days on the run.

Grant, who was arrested on Saturday, was formally charged with one count of obstructing justice Monday. She appeared in court via TV.

Prosecutors argued that Grant knowingly lied to police when they knocked on her door after Taylor's early morning escape on April 1. Grant told officers she had no contact with Taylor and did not know if anyone else had, according to police. However, officials said Taylor had called Grant's daughter, and Grant was aware of that phone call.

Grant, who lives in Kankakee and was once employed as a guard at the Jerome Combs Detention Center, is also accused of giving Taylor information about the jail's exit doors during a jailhouse visit.

Prosecutors said a charge of aiding in escape is still pending against Grant.

"As evidence becomes available, our office will continue to work closely with the sheriff's office and other agencies in determining what charges will be filed against Taylor and anyone who assisted him," Kankakee County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Ken McCabe said.

Taylor remains in lockup at the Cook County Jail. He faces several charges stemming from his escape, during which a guard was seriously injured. That guard remains hospitalized.

Officials have not said when Taylor, who faces sentencing in a 2013 murder next month, will be transferred back to Kankakee County. He faces 45 to life in prison in that murder.