MEMPHIS, TN— Two teenagers are in jail, charged in last week's crime spree and killing of 44-year-old Roneccia Luster at a Parkway Village ATM.
Roneccia Luster was robbed and killed on October 9th while using an ATM on Perkins in southeast Memphis. Memphis Police say the trigger man and his accomplice are behind bars. James Holmes, 19, is charged with first degree murder, attempted murder, and attempted carjacking. Bishardo Higgs, also 19, is charged with attempted robbery.
Luster’s mother, Betty Buckley, is relieved and angry. She's relieved her daughter's accused killers are behind bars, but she's angry people have to fear the streets of Memphis. She wants to make sure her daughter did not die in vain.
After a week of waiting, Buckley finally got answers.
"Early this morning the detective called me and told me they found the killers and that they had confessed,” Betty Buckley told ABC24 News.
"It was the most overwhelming news I have gotten in a week,” she said. "I just fell to my knees and started thanking God."
Police say Luster drove off after Holmes shot her and crashed into a utility pole. Luster died later at the hospital.
"I'm glad that they were caught. I'm hoping that justice will be served to them,” said Buckley. “I would like for them to go to prison for life so that everyday they can get up and they can remember I killed Roneccia for no reason at all."
Police say Holmes and his partner, Higgs, tried to carjack a man down the street moments after shooting Luster. MPD says Holmes shot the second victim as he drove away. He survived his injuries.
"I want to thank the Memphis citizens for speaking up, for coming out for doing their part as well,” said Buckley.
Both teens have a criminal history. Holmes and Higgs have been charged with theft, disorderly conduct and criminal trespassing in the last two months.
Buckley wants to unite with other families to curb the violence and gave this message, “I want other young men that are contemplating on some senseless act like this to know that Memphis is going to come together and we're going to get you, we're going to get you.”
Holmes, the teen charged with first degree murder, is in jail without bond. Higgs is also behind bars on a half million dollar bond. Both are expected in court Thursday. A $10,000 reward was offered by Orion Federal Credit Union for the apprehension of the two suspects.
Roneccia Luster's funeral is this Friday and Saturday. The wake is Friday, Oct. 19, from 5-8 p.m. at MJ Edwards Funeral Home, 5494 Elvis Presley Blvd. On Saturday, Oct. 20, there will be a viewing from 1-2 p.m., at Brown Missionary Baptist Church in Southaven, Miss., located off State Line Road. The funeral will follow at 2 p.m. The public is invited to attend.
