Two people charged in the assault of a 92-year-old woman who was pushed down and robbed in Massachusetts last week pleaded not guilty on Monday.
Markell Cruz and Kayla Noel-Brown were both arraigned on assault and battery charges in Quincy District Court following their arrests over the weekend.
Cruz and Noel-Brown are accused of attacking Doris Prendiville on Nov. 19 and stealing her purse as she walked back to her elderly living complex on Clay Street in Quincy after purchasing a newspaper. Surveillance video captured the woman speaking with one of the suspects shortly before the robbery.
A judge ordered Cruz, who has a long criminal record, held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing on Thursday.
Noel-Brown was ordered held on $2,500 cash bail and will return to court for a probable cause hearing on Dec. 22.
It's unclear if they have attorneys.
Prosecutors said Noel-Brown is cooperating with police and told them during their arrest that "obviously you guys know it was us." She allegedly admitted that she and Cruz stole the victim's purse for drug money.
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Noel-Brown's grandfather, Bill Brown, said she "met the wrong guy" and had no idea he was going to rob the woman.
Neighbor Jimmy Lee, who found Prendiville's purse, said he's "ecstatic" the suspects have been arrested.
"I went out there, and sure enough, it was her bag and her wallet was open. Her driver's license was right on top," he said. "I saw that she was 92 years old so I called the police."
Prendiville was not in court on Monday. Authorities said she suffered a broken sternum and is recovering at a rehab facility. Family members said she should be able to return home soon.
