Nationwide — Giselle Smith and Semaj Morris, two African American 17-year-old teens from New Orleans, Louisiana, were killed in a crash on December 11. The crash happened when their car collided with another vehicle driven by 30-year-old Joneaka Smooth, who is accused of shoplifting and was reportedly fleeing the police when the accident happened.According to WLBT, police said Smooth was fleeing deputies responding to a shoplifting call and was driving erratically on the I-10 interstate highway. After crossing multiple lanes and jumping a median, she crashed into the Toyota Camry that was carrying Smith, Morris, and Kiper.
Smooth then fled the scene but later surrendered to authorities. She faces charges of manslaughter, hit-and-run, and fleeing police. One accomplice remains at large, while 37-year-old Lisa Herring has been detained.
Smooth reportedly has a criminal record dating back to 2017, including felony and misdemeanor theft charges. In 2023, she was sentenced to two years in prison but was released on probation. Her past convictions may influence her sentencing if found guilty of the recent charges.
Smith’s family, already mourning the loss of her mother to colon cancer earlier this year, expressed devastation over the tragedy. Meanwhile, Paris Kiper, Giselle’s sister who was also involved in the accident, is showing signs of recovery.