The families of Malinda Moore, 28, and Brent Roscoe, 36, finally had the opportunity to confront the two women responsible for the murders, 18 months after the tragic incident occurred.
As Riley Franke and Camryn Chase awaited their sentencing, the Lucas County Common Pleas courtroom was filled with fourteen members of their families. Franke had previously pleaded guilty to burglary and robbery, while Chase had pleaded guilty to two counts of murder. The proceedings were presided over by Judge Ian English.
Franke, a resident of the 2300 block of Starr Avenue in Oregon, has been sentenced to 13-16 years in prison by Judge English. Similarly, Chase, who hails from the 500 block of Leach Avenue in Toledo, has been sentenced to two consecutive life terms with parole eligibility after 30 years.
Although Chase was charged with more severe offenses due to her role in planning and carrying out the robbery and murders on November 10, 2022 by entering the house, she was not the one who pulled the trigger that led to the young couple’s death. The responsibility for the shooting lies with Prince Jones, who died in a shootout with the police in East Toledo just a few hours after the crime.
Although Franke did not physically participate in the robbery that took place at the house on the 2700 block of Albion Street, she did drive Mr. Jones and Chase to the location with the knowledge that they intended to commit the crime. As a result, she faced charges for her involvement in the planning of the robbery.
On Monday morning, Franke issued a tearful apology to the families, expressing that she would have never driven the car if she had known it would result in murder. Her lawyer, Phillip Carlisle, also acknowledged that Franke was aware of the looming prison sentence, but requested Judge English to deliver a fair punishment.
During the court proceedings, Tina Mosqueda and Latisha Roscoe spoke on behalf of the Moore and Roscoe families. Ms. Mosqueda, who was wearing a shirt with her niece’s smiling face on it, expressed her outrage about Franke’s lack of remorse. She questioned why Franke did not call the police during or after the shooting if she was opposed. Ms. Roscoe also gave a statement representing her family’s grief and loss.
According to Ms. Mosqueda, the perpetrator was present both before and after the incident, yet failed to take responsibility for her actions. Ms. Mosqueda firmly believes that the perpetrator is not a victim and holds her accountable for the harm caused to Malinda. The pain and trauma inflicted upon Malinda’s loved ones are immeasurable, and Ms. Mosqueda states that she will never forgive the perpetrator. The memory of the incident is so overwhelming that she cannot even pass by the house where Malinda lost her life, and it is unlikely that she ever will.
After taking a moment to compose herself and dab away her tears with a tissue, she emphasized the happiness that her niece exuded and lamented how Franke, Chase, and Mr. Jones had cruelly taken that away from her family and the world. She implored Judge English to impose the harshest possible sentence to convey the message that acts of gun violence and murder will not be tolerated and will be punished to the fullest extent of the law.
According to Ms. Roscoe, the families strongly believe that Franke’s assistance was crucial in the occurrence of the crime. She also shared similar sentiments regarding the matter.
Judge English emphasized that being a getaway driver, or in the case he was presiding over, a get-to driver, does not make one less responsible. In fact, it is quite the opposite. He stated that the driver is just as responsible for any resulting crimes, including murder. The judge made it clear that the defendant’s actions allowed two individuals to commit murder, which is a severe offense.
Upon hearing Franke’s eventual cooperation with the police, Judge English decided not to charge her with murder. However, he still felt the need to impose a severe punishment for her involvement in the crime. As such, he sentenced her to six years each for robbery and burglary, to be served consecutively, and added a one-year firearms specification. Franke may face an additional three years in prison if she misbehaves during her time there.
Chase’s attorney, Ronnie Wingate, opted to keep his comments concise during her sentencing.
Mr. Wingate acknowledged the deep hurt and pain the families are going through and expressed his sympathy towards them. He argued that the actions of Chase were not malicious and sometimes people find themselves in situations without any ill intentions.
According to the lawyer, Chase’s drug addiction compelled her to act, and her aim was to steal in order to fund her drug habit.
During the trial, Mr. Wingate read out a letter that was written by Chase. In the letter, she expressed her remorse and sought forgiveness from the families affected by her actions. She clarified that her intentions were never to cause any harm and certainly not for anyone to lose their lives.
Chase responded with a soft-spoken apology and remained silent, allowing Mr. Wingate to read her letter and speak on her behalf.
As Ms. Mosqueda returned to the prosecutors’ table, she shared that the experience of burying a child was beyond words and that the passing of her niece, Ms. Moore, had made it difficult for her to take joy in celebrating the milestones of others. She expressed the heartbreaking realization that her niece would never be able to experience the joys of weddings, childbirths, and other significant moments in life.
In an effort to ensure that Chase remains incarcerated, she pleaded with Judge English to prevent him from ever being able to step outside of prison walls.
She expressed, “Tears stream down my face constantly. I cry during my morning routine, on my commute to work, and even before I sleep. I harbor a deep anger and hate within me, including towards God.”
According to Ms. Roscoe, Chase’s deliberate involvement in the crime only fueled her desire for a severe punishment. While acknowledging Mr. Roscoe’s significance as a pillar of their family and community, she concluded her emotional speech with a glimmer of hope.
According to the speaker, it is their hope that Chase will utilize her time behind bars to assist others in avoiding a similar fate.
Before delivering a life sentence with parole eligibility after 30 years, Judge English addressed Chase and briefly spoke to her. Chase received credit for the 501 days she had already served, while Franke was credited with 29 days.
During Franke’s hearing, Ms. Roscoe explained in her statement that although the sentencing may provide the desired outcomes for the victims’ families, finding solace will be a more challenging task.
As she expressed, “Every moment reminds us of their absence, and we cherish the memories of their laughter.”
