NEW ORLEANS – Today, District Attorney Jason Williams announced the Grand Jury indictment decisions in the murder case of 73-year-old Linda Frickey. Defendants John Honore’ (17), Lenyra Theophile (15), Mar’Qel Curtis (15) and Briniyah Baker (16) were each indicted for Second Degree Murder. The judge set bond at $1 million each.
“As District Attorney, I am sworn to seek justice, and am committed to fairness and accountability. This was one of the most violent carjacking 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. While I completely believe in handling juvenile matters in the juvenile system to ensure developmentally appropriate adjudication of young people, the juvenile sentencing limits would be inadequate to ensure that these young people are appropriately held accountable for taking a life. Earlier this month, I personally met with the Frickey Family and heard the hurt and pain in their voices; it always shakes me to my core to meet with families of deceased relatives who lost their lives to senseless violence in our city. I commit to this family and the people of New Orleans that we will do everything in our power to ensure that these defendants, and anyone else who engages in violent crime, are held accountable,” said District Attorney Jason Williams. “Additionally, I encourage all parts of our community to help prevent these types of violent crimes from ever taking place. A few days ago, I met with our incoming School Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams and we committed to partnering together to enforce existing truancy laws to help ensure that parents are making sure our kids are in schools when they are supposed to be. A parent who fails to enroll or maintain their child in school can be fined and/or jailed, placed on probation, required to participate in community service, parenting classes, counseling and more. Now, we never want to add more burdens to parents who are dealing with a lot, and will work with those who are trying. However, we must and will do more to work with public schools, NOPD and the courts to help enforce truancy laws so that our kids are in school and not on the streets. Together, we are surging back against violence in New Orleans.”
Honore’, Theophile, Curtis and Baker were arrested for the murder of Linda Frickey in the 300 block of North Scott Street in March 2022. According to New Orleans Police Department reports, the defendants violently carjacked Frickey and dragged her down the street, severing her arm, as they were fleeing the scene in her vehicle.
If convicted in Criminal District Court, the defendants could face life imprisonment for these crimes.
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