Trial Delayed for Woman Accused of Deadly Crash After Judge Recusal
Updated: 5:21 PM CST Nov 17, 2025
A trial for Joneaka Smooth, 31, facing charges related to a deadly crash and alleged shoplifting, has been postponed after the presiding judge recused himself last Friday.
According to court documents, Smooth is accused of stealing six Gucci scarves valued at $3,500 from Saks Fifth Avenue at Lakeside Mall on December 11, 2024. Hours later, she reportedly caused a crash that killed two teenagers, Giselle Smith, 17, and Semaj Morris, 17.
Jefferson Parish deputies initiated a pursuit after spotting Smooth's vehicle, but the chase was called off one minute later, near the Jefferson-Orleans parish line. Witnesses reported that Smooth was speeding on St. Bernard Avenue when she hit the median and became airborne before crashing. Smooth's sister, Paris, 21, sustained injuries in the incident.
A new trial date has yet to be scheduled.