A 20-year-old man and a 16-year-old girl have been charged with carjacking after pretending to be interested in buying a car listed on Facebook Marketplace, Chicago prosecutors said.
Fonocerio Edwards, a Waukegan resident, was ordered to remain in custody while awaiting trial on two vehicular hijacking charges. The 16-year-old girl, whose identity remains undisclosed due to her age, is also facing the same charges.
The incident took place on December 23 in the 2800 block of West 63rd Street. A 38-year-old woman had listed her blue 2011 Chevy Traverse for sale on Facebook Marketplace. She agreed to meet with Edwards and the teenager so they could check the car in person.
However, what was supposed to be a routine car sale turned violent. Prosecutors said Edwards suddenly pushed the woman out of the driver’s seat and climbed behind the wheel. Quick-thinking, the woman grabbed the keys from the ignition and started walking away from the scene.
On her way home, she handed the car keys to a 32-year-old man who had come with her to the meet-up. Edwards then attacked the man, hitting him in the head with an object. The blow caused a deep cut, and according to prosecutors, the victim lost a significant amount of blood.
After the carjacking, police later encountered the stolen SUV. Bodycam footage reportedly shows Edwards behind the wheel of the car, which helped link him to the crime.
Details about the 16-year-old’s role in the incident remain unclear, but she faces the same charges as Edwards. Since she is a minor, her identity and involvement have not been fully disclosed.
Edwards and the teenager are both charged with two counts of vehicular hijacking.
The case highlights the risks of in-person meet-ups when buying or selling items online. Authorities often advise meeting in public, well-lit areas or using designated safe exchange zones for online transactions to avoid dangerous situations.
(Source : newsbreak.com)
