13-year-old Theresa Franklin died after a crashed happened involving five minors and a stolen vehicle. A 14-year-old is now facing manslaughter charges.
Franklin died after the stolen car hit a concrete pillar at Major Drive and Interstate 10, in Beaumont, Texas, on Sunday, close to 3:30 a.m.
Officers located the suspects running from the scene in a 2023 silver Hyundai where five minors had been inside. The Hyundai had been reported stolen by the Nederland Police Department.
Officials with the Beaumont Police Patrol stated that when the suspects were seen, things escalated. The driver began to drive away quickly and recklessly.
The chase came to end when the car hit the concrete pillar. Then, four out of the five people fled the scene. Later, all four were captured.
Franklin was declared deceased at the scene.
A 14-year-old boy who is thought to have been the driver of the Hyundai is facing manslaughter charges. Franklin’s 14-year-old sister was in the car, as well, and is cooperating with authorities.
The owner of the Hyundai stated that he had noticed that his vehicle was stolen at about 3 a.m. on Sunday. He contacted police and used a blue link to track it.
The owner has sent his condolences to Franklin’s family.
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