Teens who are accused of killing an elderly woman by dragging her in New Orleans plead not guilty.
On Wednesday, four teenagers who were charged with murder in the death by dragging of an elderly New Orleans woman whose arm was cut off during a carjacking pleaded not guilty.
News outlets said that a 17-year-old boy, a 16-year-old girl, and two 15-year-old girls pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the March 21 death of 73-year-old Linda Frickey. They were shackled and wore red jumpsuits.
Police Chief Shaun Ferguson said that Frickey died because she got caught in her seatbelt as thieves drove off with her car. Neighbors watched helplessly as she was dragged a block in her own car in the middle of the afternoon.
Ferguson said that tips led to the teens being caught a few hours after the car theft on Monday afternoon. The parents of two of them turned them in.
“This was one of the most violent carjackings we’ve ever seen. As they drove away in Mrs. Frickey’s car, these young people dragged her and cut off her arm. “The grand jury’s decision today to charge these young people with Second Degree Murder is fair and makes sure they are held accountable in the right way,” said Jason Williams, the district attorney for Orleans Parish.
A week ago, Williams said that each of the defendants would be charged as an adult in Frickey’s death.
Williams said, “Four or five years is just not enough.” “The maximum sentences for juveniles would not be enough to make sure that these young people are held responsible for taking a life.”
“I’m glad to be in criminal court for sure. Jinny Lynn-Griffin, Frickey’s sister, told reporters outside the courthouse, “I’m glad we’re going to an adult court because this is so horrible.”
While the accused wait for trial, their bonds will stay at $1 million each. If found guilty, all four would have to spend the rest of their lives in prison, but they could get out after 25 years.
