2 Teenagers Dead and Sister in Critical Condition After Car Crash with Suspected Shoplifters

Mar. 15, 2025

Suspected shoplifters crashed their car into another as they fled from police.

Two teenagers in New Orleans, La., have died in a car crash after colliding with several people accused of shoplifting in another car, the New Orleans Police Department confirms to PEOPLE.

According toWAFB9, the Orleans Parish Coroner told the outlet that 17-year-olds Giselle Smith and Semaj Morris were the victims of the crash. The outlet also shared that Smith’s sister Paris Kiper, 21, was the third passenger in the car. PerFox 8, Kiper was due to celebrate her birthday the day after the crash. Smith’s family also told WAFB9 that they were mourning the death of Smith’s mother to colon cancer earlier this year.

According to WAFB9, the Orleans Parish Coroner told the outlet that 17-year-olds Giselle Smith and Semaj Morris were the victims of the crash. The outlet also shared that Smith’s sister Paris Kiper, 21, was the third passenger in the car. Per Fox 8, Kiper was due to celebrate her birthday the day after the crash. Smith’s family also told WAFB9 that they were mourning the death of Smith’s mother from colon cancer earlier this year.The NOPD responded to the Jefferson Parish office and is handling the traffic crash incident only.

PEOPLE has contacted the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office for comment.

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Joneaka Smooth’s mugshot.New Orleans Police Department

New Orleans Police Department

While the suspect fled the scene, the NOPD tells PEOPLE that Smooth later surrendered to authorities and is facing charges of fleeing police, hit and run, as well as manslaughter.

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Gathering near the crash site, many people held up pink and blue balloons as they expressed their condolences.

source: people.com