NEW ORLEANS — While a final verdict came in Monday, convicting the fourth teen, John Honore, in the fatal carjacking of Linda Frickey, days in court regarding her death may not be over. Her husband, Rickey Frickey has filed a civil lawsuit against the parents of the four teens.
Speaking with WWL Louisiana Thursday, Rickey Frickey's lawyer, Donald Hodge, cited a state law, saying parents should be and can be held responsible for the acts of their children.
"I think it's part of the larger issue of understanding what may happen to parents if they're not involved trying to ensure these things don't happen," Hodge said.
The lawsuit was initially filed in March of this year, but Hodge says they decided to put it on hold for the criminal trial, as Hodge says that was more important. Now, though, Hodge says Rickey Frickey is ready to move forward with the filing.
Hodge says they're confident a judge will rule in their favor, but the hard part, he says, is executing the judgement and actually getting the money.
According to our partners at Nola.com, the filing says they're seeking an excess of $50,000, but Hodge told WWL Louisiana, there's not really a number they can put on the damages and horror the family experienced. He believes it'd be upwards of a million dollars.
"You don’t squeeze blood out of a turnip," Hodge said. "It’s just a matter of who’s going to pay that. We understand the reality here of it may never be paid but I think it’s important for a sense of judgement for Linda as well as to let people know the actions of your children, you’re responsible."
WWL Louisiana also learned, this suit may not be the only legal action Rickey Frickey is taking. Hodge says they're discussing whether or not to hold other entities responsible for his wife's death as well.
"The larger issue is the need for reforming the entire system," Hodge said.
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