In a harrowing ordeal that gripped Milwaukee in mid-July 2025, seven-year-old Jamal White was abducted in broad daylight, sparking a statewide Amber Alert and a frantic search that ended with his safe recovery less than 24 hours later. The case has since unraveled into a complex web of criminal charges and startling revelations about the motives behind the kidnapping.
The abduction occurred on July 11 near W. Hustis Street, where Jamal was riding his bicycle alongside his father, Jamal White Sr. Surveillance footage captured the chilling moment when a white Jeep Renegade blocked the driveway. Two masked men jumped out; one pursued Jamal’s father, who fled into the house, while the other chased down Jamal, grabbing him by the back of his shirt and carrying him back to the vehicle before speeding away. The father’s quick reaction and the surveillance footage were pivotal in mobilizing law enforcement and issuing the Amber Alert within five hours of the incident.
Police swiftly launched an intensive investigation, and by the evening of July 12, officers located Jamal alive inside a duplex near North 39th and West Lloyd streets, about seven miles from the abduction site. Corey Williams, 25, was found hiding in the attic of the same residence. Williams, along with a 14-year-old boy and a 38-year-old man named Fabian Johnson, were arrested in connection with the kidnapping. The 14-year-old suspect’s identity remains confidential due to age, but all three face serious felony charges.
The criminal complaint reveals that the kidnapping was not a random act but stemmed from a botched robbery plan targeting Jamal’s mother, Shavon Williams, who is described as a "well-known drug dealer." Corey Williams confessed that approximately two weeks before the abduction, he was approached by the 14-year-old suspect with a plan to rob Shavon at gunpoint. Corey borrowed the white Jeep Renegade to drive to her home on the day of the incident, but she never appeared. The group then shifted their focus to Jamal’s father, but when they couldn’t reach him, they took Jamal instead.
According to Corey Williams, "One of the others grabbed Jamal and took him into the Jeep." He admitted to removing the Jeep’s license plates ahead of time to avoid detection. After the abduction, the suspects contacted Shavon Williams, demanding $100,000 and jewelry for Jamal’s safe return. Corey claimed he was initially promised $10,000 for his role but sought more once the kidnapping was underway. Despite arranging a ransom exchange at a nearby park, Shavon never showed up.
The situation escalated when the Amber Alert was broadcasted statewide. Corey Williams stated that the kidnappers considered harming Jamal "to show they were serious," but ultimately refrained. After the alert, the suspects returned Jamal to his home and fled. When police arrived, Williams hid in the attic while Jamal was left in a bedroom. The boy was then placed temporarily in Child Protective Services custody before being reunited with his family.
Corey Williams appeared in court on July 18, where his bond was set at $100,000. He faces multiple felony counts, including kidnapping as a party to a crime, taking hostages, and contributing to the delinquency of a child. Prosecutors emphasized Williams’ central role in the crime, though he denied claims that he considered harming Jamal, responding in court, "That’s a lie." If convicted, Williams could face a combined maximum sentence exceeding 100 years.
Fabian Johnson, 38, also faces kidnapping charges as a party to the crime. Police allege he was involved alongside Williams and the 14-year-old in the initial robbery plan. Johnson has been ordered to have no contact with Williams, Jamal, or their family members. The 14-year-old suspect is scheduled to appear in Milwaukee County court on July 21. It remains unclear whether the teen will be tried as an adult or in juvenile court.
The case also drew attention to Jamal’s uncle, Jamel White, 27, who was arrested a day after the abduction for firing several shots at a slow-moving car. He faces two counts of recklessly endangering safety and use of a dangerous weapon. Jamel told police he shot at the car because "he was scared for his family" and admitted to hiding the gun behind a house in a wooded area. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident. His bond was set at $20,000.
The kidnapping has left the Milwaukee community shaken but relieved that Jamal was found safe. The involvement of family members in separate legal troubles adds layers to a case that started with a desperate robbery plan gone terribly wrong. As the legal proceedings continue, authorities remain vigilant, ensuring those responsible are held accountable.
This incident highlights the dangers faced by families entangled in criminal activities and the ripple effects on innocent children. It also underscores the importance of rapid law enforcement response and community vigilance, as the swift recovery of Jamal White demonstrates.
While the court process unfolds, Jamal’s family and the Milwaukee community hope for healing and justice. The case remains a stark reminder of how quickly lives can be upended and the resilience required to overcome such trauma.
