3 teens charged as adults after slaying

GADSDEN (AP) — Three teenagers have been charged as adults with capital murder in connection with the slaying of a woman who was working at a coin-operated laundry when it was robbed.

Police Capt. Troy Higdon said Deuntre Luster, 17, of Birmingham, and Dominique Frazer, 16, and Averiez Robinson, 16, both of Gadsden, were charged Tuesday afternoon in the Sunday evening shooting death of Janice King, 62.

Authorities said the teens were being held without bond in the Etowah County Jail.

District Attorney Jimmie Harp said King usually worked the day shift at H&H Laundry and Coin.

She had swapped shifts with another employee Sunday when the shooting happened about 6 p.m. during an apparent robbery.

"This was a senseless act of violence," Harp said.

"It was murder during a robbery, and that makes it a capital offense."

Higdon said one of the teens was taken into custody Monday and the other two Tuesday.

He said there is the possibility of a fourth suspect.

Harp said Gadsden detectives did a good job during the investigation.

A sign written in English and Spanish displayed on the door states the coin-operated laundry is closed until Monday.

Copyright 2005 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Email This Page