3 teens plead guilty to carjacking, killing 73-year-old New Orleans woman: ‘I hope you all can forgive me’

Three teenagers involved in the tragic death of a woman whose arm was severed during carjacking in New Orleans last year, they pleaded guilty Monday to reduced charges and were sentenced to 20 years in prison.

CBS affiliate WWL-TV reports that the three men were convicted of attempted manslaughter in the death of 73-year-old Linda Frickey. A fourth suspect, a man now 18, still faces a second-degree murder charge, which carries a possible life sentence.

All four were scheduled to go on trial Monday. Jury selection for the only remaining suspect, who prosecutors say was behind the wheel when Frickey died, began after all three girls pleaded guilty.

The four men were ages 15 to 17 when they were charged as adults in the March 2022 killing. Authorities said Frickey died of blunt force injuries after becoming entangled in her waistband. safety as carjackers made off with his car on the afternoon of March 21. She was dragged in front of her helpless neighbors.

Outside the courthouse, Frickey’s family spoke with reporters about how they listened to statements from two of the defendants.

“When they said they were sorry, I’m sure they were,” said his sister Jinny Frickey. “Because you go back, looking back, a lot of times you’re sorry for the actions that you did. But you did it. And, unfortunately, they did it and they have to serve their time.”

One defendant wrung her hands as she stood in front of Frickey’s family, according to an account of the hearing in The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate. “This is not what we planned to do,” she said tearfully of the killing, “and I hope you can all forgive me.”

“I think they were really sincere in their apologies, and we appreciate that they admitted their guilt and accepted their punishment and I hope that in time everyone can heal,” the in-law said. Frickey’s sister, Kathy Richard, at WWL-TV.

But Richard told the station the family wanted the fourth defendant to receive the maximum sentence.

“He was driving the car. He stomped on it,” Griffin told WWL-TV. “The girls were all along for the ride, but the problem we had with them was they didn’t do anything to stop it.”

Prosecutors will not comment until the case is complete, said prosecutor Jason Williams’ office.

“However, we wish to acknowledge the remarkable grace of Ms. Frickey’s family in response to the words of the three defendants who have accepted responsibility for their roles in this horrific matter,” the statement said. “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.”

After last year’s incident, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell posted a video of almost three minutes on Twitter, calling the carjacking “horrible” and “absolutely unacceptable.”

“We absolutely must address juvenile delinquency in the city of New Orleans,” she said.