Couple in court on murder allegation in Vancouver starvation case

Bail set at $1 million each for Felicia L. Adams, 52, and Jesse C. Franks, 56, in connection with death of 15-year-old nephew

By Jessica Prokop, Columbian Assistant Metro Editor

A Clark County judge set bail at $1 million each for the adoptive parents of a 15-year-old Vancouver boy who died from starvation and neglect in November.

Both Felicia L. Adams, 52, and Jesse C. Franks, 56, appeared Monday morning in Superior Court on domestic violence charges of second-degree murder and homicide by abuse in Karreon Franks’ death.

In response to the charges being read, Franks said, “I don’t know why I’m being charged with all of this.”

Senior Deputy Prosecutor James Smith described the allegations as “extremely concerning” and said the evidence in the case is overwhelming. He noted that Karreon’s condition at the time of autopsy was shocking.

Adams and Franks are each facing a minimum 20-year prison sentence if convicted, Smith said.