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Joyner-Francis trial begins in Wilmington

Delaware Public Media

The trial of three teenage girls charged in death of Amy Joyner-Francis following a bathroom assault at Howard High last April is underway.

The News Journal reports members of Joyner-Francis’ family cried as video of the attack was shown during day one of the non-jury trial in Family Court.

Trinity Carr – who is seen punching and kicking Joyner-Francis in the video - faces the most serious charge - criminally negligent homicide – as well as third-degree criminal conspiracy.

The other two girls, Chakiera Wright and Zion Snow, face third-degree criminal conspiracy charges.

The state’s Medical Examiner determined that Joyner-Francis’ cause of death was a sudden cardiac incident due to a pre-existing heart condition, aggravated by the attack.

The News Journal reports the defense is arguing Carr could not have reasonably expected the fight would result in Joyner-Francis’ death.

The trial is expected to last up to two weeks.

Tom Byrne has been a fixture covering news in Delaware for three decades. He joined Delaware Public Media in 2010 as our first news director and has guided the news team ever since. When he's not covering the news, he can be found reading history or pursuing his love of all things athletic.
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