[Source]
Joseph Harrell, the 17-year-old teenager arrested in connection with a violent robbery that left a Vietnamese mother paralyzed last month, was caught making prison calls as he confessed to the crime and continued to threaten the victim.
In the conversations obtained by ABC 13Harrell is reportedly heard talking about probation while laughing at those who think he could face up to 20 years in prison for his crime.
“We were stealing purses,” Harrell confessed. “I jumped out, snatched the wallet, the lady ran with the money, I grabbed her, hit her and she was paralyzed.”
The lady probably wants justice and some more (expletive). They will basically try to give me up to 20 years. That (expletive). I’m not going for it. The (expletive) has already raised $230,000 on GoFundMe. (Expletive) better get on with her life. Like, (expletive) you made $230,000. Look. They say she made $230,000 and will be able to walk again in no less than a year.
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The recording was obtained from a source close to the investigation amid a judge’s controversial decision to cut the defendant’s bail in half from $200,000 to $100,000.
Harrell, who also was charged with a separate robbery which took place more than a week later, also had his bail cut from $40,000 to $30,000 for that case.
Houston Police Officers Union President Douglas Griffith told ABC 13 that Harrell will pose a threat to the public if he bonds.
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My concern is for the public. When this kid gets out of prison, he’s going to victimize more individuals. He cares about no one but himself, and I’m baffled that the judge is lowering his bond. I can’t get my head around it. This boy is a danger to others and the community and should be locked up.
On February 13, Harrell was captured on surveillance footage Physically attacking Nhung Truong, 44, during a robbery on Bellaire’s 9800 block in Houston, Texas.
Truong, who had withdrawn a large sum of money for an upcoming trip to visit her family in Vietnam, suffered broken ribs and a severe spinal cord injury.
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Authorities said the suspect saw Truong retreating from a Chinatown bank before following her more than 20 miles to Bellaire.
Harrell’s 19-year-old accomplice, Zy’Nika Ayesha Woods, was also arrested and charged with theft. Woods was bailed $50,000.
If Harrell bails, he will be grounded and made to wear a GPS monitor.
Truong is currently unable to walk.
The single mother, who has been dependent on the help of her three children, may never regain the full function of both legs. Her doctors said there is a 50% chance she will make a full recovery.
“I’m really scared that they will come after us because of what happened. I need everyone’s help to give them the punishment they deserve,” she previously told ABC13.
Since Wednesday the GoFundMe Campaign which was set up by Truong’s family has raised more than $330,000 in donations.
