13-year-old murder case: 2 men plead guilty, will not serve time after crafting an agreement with victim's family

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- For the first time in 13 years, the family of then-16-year-old Corey Stingley feels they can finally move forward.

On Thursday, Jan. 15, two men accused of killing Stingley pleaded guilty to felony murder with false imprisonment. But they will not serve any time in prison, and in six months they will have the convictions wiped away.

It's part of a deal the family pushed for.

Robert Berringer and Jesse Cole are the men involved.

This case was a rarity, not just for the length of time it took, but the way it was resolved.

More than a decade after Corey Stingley's death, his family and the men involved worked together, through pain, grief, and anger, to eventually reach understanding, healing, and forgiveness.

Corey Stingley’s father, Craig Stingley, told us, "It finally allowed me to mourn my son."

Craig Stingley can finally rest after 13 years of pushing for justice.

In December 2012, then-16-year-old Corey Stingley tried to steal wine coolers from a convenience store. Three men held him down, but he died.

At the time, the district attorney did not find intent that would warrant homicide charges.

Craig Stingley said he lost faith in the criminal justice system. "You want… you want somebody to pay for it. But I don't think we really understand what that means."

A few years ago, a special prosecutor was brought in and did find reason to file charges.

But faced with a potentially lengthy and painful trial, the family pursued a different option.

Craig Stingley said, "You start to understand that's not going to bring them back. But it will damage you."

The family met with Berringer and Cole, face-to-face, for hours. Twice.

It was facilitated by Marquette's Andrew Center for Restorative Justice, which focuses on relationships, accountability, and repair.

In those meetings, everyone shared how they felt and how they'd been affected by Corey's death.

And over time, they agreed to craft an agreement.

In court Thursday, Berringer and Cole pleaded guilty.

Craig Stingley explained to the judge why the family pushed for the deal. "I'm not looking for vengeance. I don't have vengeance in me today."

So did Corey Stingley's mother, Alicia. "I've been forgiven much, so I'm able to forgive."

Cole's attorney, Jonathan LaVoy, told us, "In this situation, I think true healing occurred."

He said the process helped his client, too. "He learned humanity. He learned that, you know, Corey was a good kid and that the family was hurting."

Craig Stingley said this process helped restore his faith in getting justice. "Being able to find some strength to keep going. To honor the one that you lost. And not cause it to become more painful."

Craig Stingley said Berringer and Cole have been punishing themselves since day one.

He said he knows he'll be asked questions about agreeing to a deal but said his answer will be 'we have a common humanity.'

Attorney Jonathan LaVoy said the restorative justice process was so rewarding he'll recommend it to other clients.