Three Teen Girls Admit Guilt in Tragic Carjacking, Resulting in Death of 73-Year-Old Woman Dragged Along Road

Three out of the four teenagers involved in the tragic carjacking incident that resulted in the death of an elderly woman in New Orleans last year have entered guilty pleas to reduced criminal charges, with Briniyah Baker, 17, Lenyra Theophile, 16, and Mar’qel Curtis, 16, accepting a plea deal convicting them of attempted manslaughter in connection with the death of 73-year-old Linda Frickey. 

The plea agreement entails a 20-year prison sentence, a significant reduction from the initial charges of second-degree murder, which could have led to life imprisonment. 

The fourth defendant, 18-year-old John Honore, who is charged with second-degree murder and allegedly drove the vehicle during the incident, is scheduled for trial on Nov. 27.

The carjacking and subsequent dragging of Linda Frickey occurred on March 21, 2022, in the Mid-City area, resulting in her tragic death. Frickey, leaving her job at Security Plan Insurance, had her arm severed as she was dislodged from the vehicle, and she was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Witnesses attempted to intervene, describing the incident as reckless and showing no regard for human life. Surveillance footage led to the arrest of the four suspects shortly after the incident.

During the court proceedings, the girls expressed remorse for their actions, with Curtis stating, “I wish I could go back and change the outcome,” and Baker expressing regret, saying, “That’s not what we set out to do, and I hope that you all can forgive me.”

Family members, including Frickey’s sister Jinnylynn Griffin, found relief in the guilty pleas, acknowledging the sincerity of the defendants' apologies. Griffin expressed hope for healing over time. 

The Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office, in a statement, emphasized their support for the Frickey family and their commitment to pursuing justice in Linda’s memory.

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