Milwaukee Teen Charged in July Abduction
Teen Charged in Milwaukee Abduction Case
A 14-year-old Milwaukee boy was charged in adult court in connection with the July 11 abduction of 7-year-old Jamal White. Prosecutors filed felony charges against the teen, identified as Barry Coleman, including kidnapping, taking a hostage as a party to a crime, and firearm-related offenses. The charges were filed on November 29 after a Milwaukee County judge approved the petition to move the case from juvenile to adult court on November 25.
According to charging documents, Coleman and two adults attempted to rob Jamal’s mother before abducting the child. The adults were identified as 25-year-old Corey Williams and 38-year-old Fabian Johnson. Prosecutors stated that Coleman created the plan, and the two adults followed during the two-hour sequence of events.
Details of the July Abduction
Charging records indicate that Jamal’s mother was not home when the group intended to rob her. The three then drove to Jamal’s father’s home. All three exited their vehicle with guns, and Coleman, Williams, and Johnson abducted Jamal as his father fled inside.
Authorities issued a critical missing alert and later an Amber Alert for Jamal. The child was recovered less than 24 hours later at Williams’ home. Police confirmed the recovery after locating the boy inside the residence.
Statements and Evidence in the Complaint
Williams told investigators that Coleman believed Jamal’s mother was a drug dealer and had previously seen drugs during FaceTime calls. After failing to find her at home, Coleman suggested robbing Jamal’s father, who he also believed to be a drug dealer. Coleman was arrested on July 15 at a friend of his mother’s home, exiting with his hands up when police arrived.
The criminal complaint states that police found a loaded handgun in the basement of the home where Coleman was arrested. The complaint also includes a recorded call between Coleman and his father, who is in state prison, in which they discussed the abduction. Coleman had a prior juvenile adjudication for possession of heroin with intent to deliver, making firearm possession illegal for him.
Court Proceedings
The teen made his initial appearance in adult court on December 1. A judge ordered him held on a $100,000 cash bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for December 8.