Three of four teenage girls involved in the tragic death of 73-year-old grandmother Linda Frickey have pleaded guilty to attempted manslaughter in a Louisiana courtroom on Monday. Briniyah Baker, 17, Lenyra Theophile, 16, and Mar’qel Curtis, admitted their roles in the carjacking and dragging of Frickey, which resulted in her arm being severed and ultimately her death. The three have been sentenced to 20 years in prison, with a minimum of 15 years before they are eligible for parole.
The plea deal comes more than a year after Frickey’s death, in March 2021 in New Orleans. The fourth defendant, John Honore, 18, will go to trial for his role in Frickey’s death. Frickey’s relatives expressed relief for the guilty plea, but also sadness for the young girls involved.
Frickey’s sister, Jinnylynn Griffin, told 4 WWL news, “I felt relief because that’s what we’ve been after this whole time for justice.” She further stated, “they probably did not want to do what they did, as to go as far as the murder, but they still were trying to steal a car. That’s still a felony.” Kathy Richard, Frickey’s sister-in-law, expressed gratitude for the teens taking responsibility for their actions. She said, “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.”
The family will have to face more heartache when Honore goes to trial. According to Frickey’s sister-in-law, the family wants “to give him the same mercy he gave Linda. None.” Griffin added, “The girls, they were all there for the ride, but the issue we had with them is they didn’t do anything to stop it.”
Three of the four perps in the brutal dragging murder of Linda Frickey (her entire arm was ripped off), have been given wrist slap plea deals.
They faced life without parole. Now they get 20 years, with parole as soon as 13.
— National Conservative (@NatCon2022) November 21, 2023
On March 2021, Frickey was viciously killed in a carjacking when her arm caught in her seatbelt. The four teenagers reportedly dragged her for nearly a block before stopping and allowing Honore to kick her out of the car. Neighbors Leanne and Mark Mascar witnessed the horrendous incident and rushed to help Frickey. The couple described the scene as “something [they] will never get over.”
Mark went on to add, “I was telling her to hang in there because every time I heard a siren, I was hoping and praying it was the ambulance. I kept telling her to hang in there, breathing, her eyes were moving. I’ve never seen something so horrific.” Frickey’s SUV was found 13 blocks away from the scene, and all four teenagers were charged with second-degree murder.
With three of the girls pleading guilty, Frickey’s family hopes that the girls will take advantage of their time in prison to reflect on their actions. Richard hoped that they would use their time in jail, to “be an example that there are consequences for your actions,” and take part in programs that help the next generation.
Honore’s trial will begin Nov. 27, and the family hopes he will receive the maximum sentence for his role in Frickey’s death. The family has stated that they would like justice to be served and they will not stop until they feel that justice has been served.
