Three of the four teenagers involved in a 73-year old woman’s death during a brutal carjacking in New Orleans, will now spend up to two decades behind bars after pleading guilty to reduced criminal charges.
The three teenage girls, Briniyah Baker, 17, Lenyra Theophile, 16, and Mar’qel Curtis, 16, accepted a plea deal Monday that ultimately convicted them of attempted manslaughter in connection with the death of 73-year-old Linda Frickey.
With the trio’s agreement came a 20 year prison sentence. The girls had initially been charged as adults with second-degree murder and faced life in prison.
A fourth defendant, 18-year-old John Honore, is charged with second-degree murder and is expected to be tried on Nov. 27 by Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Judge Kimya Holmes.
Honore, who prosecutors have alleged was behind the wheel at the time of the fatal incident, has pleaded not guilty.
That attack took place last year on March 21, 2022, after Frickey was carjacked in the Mid-City area and then dragged for more than a block due to being tangled up in the driver’s side seatbelt.
The 73-year-old, who was leaving her job at Security Plan Insurance, ended up having her arm severed as she was dislodged from the vehicle. Authorities announced her dead when they arrived at the scene of the crime.
Witnesses who watched the incident unfold tried to intervene.
“I got out of my vehicle screaming, ‘Stop, stop, you are dragging someone.’ He took off with the vehicle. Still dragging her. Reckless. No care for human beings at all,” Todd Ecker described the horrific incident.
Authorities reported that they had found surveillance footage of the four suspects and they were immediately arrested and charged shortly after.
The girls expressed remorse during their court trial on Monday and said they feel guilty for their actions.
“I wish I could go back and change the outcome,” Curtis said. “Frickey seemed like such a nice lady.”
“That’s not what we set out to do,” Baker said of the killing, adding, “and I hope that you all can forgive me.”
At the time of the incident, Frickey’s husband had just retired and was waiting for his wife to retire in the next month. They were looking forward to spending time together, as well as their friends and family, including their granddaughter.
Jinnylynn Griffin, Frickey’s sister, also faced the defendants in court. She said that her family is relieved that justice was served to her sister’s offenders.
“I think they really were sincere in their apology, and we appreciate that they did admit their guilt and accept their punishment and hopefully as time goes on, everyone can heal,” Griffin said.
The Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office said in part, “Our hearts and unwavering support continue to be with the Frickey family as we fight for justice and pursue a resolution that honors Linda’s memory.”
