Two teens are dead, and another person is in critical condition following a car crash with suspected shoplifters.
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According to a report obtained by People, the tragic accident occurred in New Orleans on Wednesday, Dec. 11. A 2013 Mercedes GLK crashed into the teens’ 2022 Toyota Camry.
One of the victims, a 17-year-old female, was pronounced dead at the scene. The two other victims were transported to a nearby hospital. Unfortunately, a second 17-year-old female died the next day.
The third passenger, a 21-year-old woman, is still being hospitalized and in stable condition.
Local media outlet WAFB confirmed with the Orleans Parish Coroner that the victims were identified as Giselle Smith and Semaj Morris. Smith’s sister, Paris Kiper, was identified as the third victim. She was preparing to celebrate her 21st birthday on Thursday, Dec. 12.
Smith’s family revealed to WAFB9 that they were mourning the loss of Giselle’s mother, who died from colon cancer earlier this year. The family shared that Kiper has shown signs of responsiveness. She even squeezed a relative’s hand.
The Suspected Shoplifters Allegedly Responsible For the Car Crash Were Fleeing From Law Enforcement
Meanwhile, the other vehicle’s driver was identified as Joneaka Smooth, 30. She and two accomplices were fleeing from deputies responding to a nearby shoplifting call.
Investigators reported that Smooth had been driving erratically on Interstate 10 just before she exited at St. Bernard Avenue. She crossed multiple lanes and jumped a median.
“The forward momentum caused the Mercedes to launch into the air, striking a 2022 Toyota Camry,” the New Orleans Police Department confirmed.
Following the crash, Smooth reportedly fled the scene. She later surrendered to law enforcement and is now facing manslaughter, hit-and-run, and fleeing police charges.
One accomplice was identified as Lisa Herring, 37. While she was detailed, she does not appear on the court records.
Smooth’s second accomplice escaped and remains at large.
Jefferson Parish’s court records reveal Smooth has a criminal record dating back to at least 2017. She previously pleaded guilty to two felony theft charges and two misdemeanor theft charges.
Last year, she was sentenced to two years in prison. However, the sentence was later changed, allowing her to be on probation instead.
On Friday, Dec. 13, a New Orleans judge asked the state pardon and parole department to be notified of Smooth’s latest case.
Metropolitan Crime Commission president Rafael Goyeneche told WAFB he expected the prior guilty pleas to “exacerbate” the future sentence if she is found guilty.