Conviction reversed in Margaret Smith carjacking case

The Supreme Court of Delaware has reversed and remanded the conviction of Rondaiges Harper, following an appeal from the Superior Court in Sussex County.

Harper, now 20, was convicted for his involvement in a kidnapping case where he and two others, Jackeline Perez, then 15, and Junia McDonald, then 14, carjacked and kidnapped Margaret Smith, then 89, before leaving her in the trunk of her own vehicle.

The Superior Court originally convicted Harper of first degree Carjacking and Kidnapping, and two counts of second degree Conspiracy.

Harper’s appeal argued that his convictions should be reversed, because the carjacking had occurred before he was present.

The Supreme Court then concluded that based on the language of Delaware’s carjacking statute, that carjacking is not a continuing crime, and anyone not present during the incident should be convicted.

Attorney John Brady tells 47 ABC Harper is expected to be released from custody after a hearing on Friday.