According to the district attorney, four teenagers accused of a vicious carjacking that resulted in the death of a 73-year-old woman will stand trial as adult people on second-degree murder charges, WIS-TV reported.
Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams announced Thursday that 17-year-old John Honore and three 15-year-old girls – Briniyah Baker, Marquel Curtis, and Lenyra Theophile – will face adult charges.
Linda Frickey was carjacked on March 21 and dragged for more than a block until her arm was severed, authorities said. She then succumbed to her injuries on the scene as relentless neighbors attempted to assist her.
Williams stated that the juvenile court system is not equipped to handle such serious cases.
“Four or five years (of prison) is just not enough,” Williams said. “The juvenile sentencing limits would be inadequate to ensure that these young people are appropriately held accountable for taking a life.”
If convicted, all four teenagers face a mandatory life sentence in prison for second-degree murder in the state of Louisiana.
“This was one of the most violent carjackings we’ve ever seen; these young people dragged Mrs. Frickey, severing her arm as they all fled the scene in her car. Today’s grand jury decision to indict these young people for second-degree murder is fair and ensures they are appropriately held accountable,” Williams said in a statement.
After the horrific details of the crime were released, New Orleans Police Chief Shaun Ferguson requested Williams’ office to try the teens as adults.
“I mean, look at the nature of the crime. Brazenness. Broad daylight. No regard for this woman hanging outside the car,” Ferguson said. “I’m not an advocate for incarceration, but sometimes people need to be locked up. When you commit a crime like this, absolutely you need to be locked up.”
