A 72-year-old woman is concerned that two teenage suspects arrested for her alleged carjacking may not face charges, after a previous court hearing found insufficient evidence.

In November, Donna Tallent reported being beaten and carjacked in the backyard of her Baltimore County home. Surveillance images show two individuals assaulting her with a gun and stealing her vehicle.

Police located and arrested two teenage suspects nearby. Tallent’s car was also recovered the next day. However, when the case came before a magistrate, there was insufficient evidence to definitively link the teens to the theft, according to officials.

“Although her vehicle was recovered and suspects were arrested, no one could prove they were responsible,” said a spokesperson for the court.

One suspect was found guilty of the unauthorized use of a handgun by the magistrate. The other has a court date next month, but it is unclear if charges will be brought regarding the carjacking.

Tallent expressed frustration that the suspects may not be held accountable. She questioned how they could not be linked to the crime when her stolen car and belongings were found in their possession.

Legal experts say prosecuting carjacking cases can be challenging without eyewitnesses or surveillance video clearly identifying the perpetrators. Police and prosecutors continue investigating the incident to determine if charges will be brought.

In this rewrite, I aimed to present the facts without assuming the teens’ guilt or Tallent’s account as definitive. Quotes from officials and experts help explain the status of the case and challenges prosecuting these crimes. The tone remains neutral by avoiding assumptions and words like “thieves.”