FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Patricia Smeltz died in a T-bone crash in May in Broward County. The teenage driver who struck her was speeding away from police after an armed carjacking, police said.
Rider Prospère told police that after injuring him in a parking lot in Hallandale Beach the group of thieves got away with his 2016 Dodge Charger.
The teenage boy ran a red light and struck Schmelz, who was driving a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe, on West Copans Road, according to deputies.
“This is a horrible tragedy,” Attorney Jim Lewis said.
Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies identified the group of six in the stolen car as 15-year-old Serenity Anivin; 16-year-old Justin Edmond; three 17-year-old boys, Jamari Peacock, Jermaine Walker, and Cameran Wright; and Cody Clark, who turned 20 in December.
Lewis, who is representing Justin Edmond, asked a Broward County judge Thursday to release the teen who has been held without bond since June 20. The judge denied his request. County records show Justin was at Paul Rein Detention Facility on Thursday afternoon in Pompano Beach.
Records also show prosecutors are charging Justin as an adult.
He is facing 28 charges: Carjacking with a firearm, 12 counts of aggravated fleeing or eluding with serious bodily injury or death, aggravated battery, vehicular homicide, four counts of causing death or serious injury while driving without a valid driver’s license, three counts of reckless driving causing serious bodily injury, four counts of reckless driving causing damage to a person or property, under 18 years old unlawfully possessing a firearm, and possession of marijuana.