Last week in Louisiana, a suspected shoplifter running from the police caused a deadly accident when they collided with another car, resulting in the deaths of two teenagers and critical injuries to one of the girls’ sister.
The tragic incident claimed the lives of Giselle Smith and Samaj Morris, both 17-year-old students at West Jefferson High School. The crash occurred just off Interstate 10 in Orleans Parish, according to a report by WVUE. The injured sister, 21-year-old Paris Kiper, is in critical condition.
According to the police, the suspect vehicle, driven by 30-year-old Joneaka Smooth with two accomplices onboard, was attempting to evade authorities following a shoplifting incident. Reports indicate that Smooth was driving recklessly on the highway, then took an exit at St. Bernard Avenue, crossing multiple lanes before crashing into a Toyota Camry carrying the teenagers and Kiper.
Smooth pleaded guilty to two prior felony theft charges and two misdemeanor theft charges last year and was sentenced to two years in prison, but the sentence was suspended, and she was released on probation.
Smooth surrendered on Thursday and was charged with manslaughter, hit-and-run, and fleeing police. One of her accomplices was reportedly detained but has not yet appeared in court records.
The shoplifting call came from Lakeside Mall in Metairie, WDSU reported. After the crash, Smooth and the others fled the scene on foot, parish officials said.
Family members held a vigil Sunday night, condemning Smooth and the others for leaving the scene and questioning the police decision to initiate a dangerous pursuit for a petty theft.
Jefferson Parish officials said the crash took place just after deputies called off the chase, WVUE reported.
