Milwaukee teen who pleaded guilty to charges in connection to kidnapping 7-year-old child sentenced
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A 15-year-old Milwaukee boy was sentenced to 10 years behind bars on Friday, Oct. 9, for his role in the violent kidnapping of a 7-year-old child.
Seven-year-old Jamal White was the subject of an Amber Alert after he was abducted at gunpoint while riding his bicycle on Hustis Street, near 60th and Good Hope on July 11, 2025.
Video captured the moment White was taken. In it, a white Jeep is seen pulling up, getting out and taking the boy.
“This case was so aggravated, so heinous, that it managed to shock Milwaukee and his is a city is unfortunately completely numb to and doesn’t care anymore about homicides," said Milwaukee County Judge David Borowski.
White was found unharmed the next day in a home near 39th and Lloyd.
Barry Coleman, who was 14 at the time of the kidnapping, pleaded guilty to robbery with use of force and possession of a firearm by a felon in connection.
Two other suspects, Corey Williams and Fabian Johnson, were also charged for their involvement in the case.
The men say they were originally attempting to rob White's mother, who was a known drug dealer. Court documents reveal the men involved say Coleman orchestrated the violent kidnapping.
Gary Coleman
"I'll note that this is probably the youngest defendant I've ever had sentenced," said Kenneth Olstinski, assistant district attorney for Milwaukee County.
The defense argued Coleman has had a traumatic upbringing surrounded by street violence.
"Any person assessing Barry Coleman's chances for success would soundly conclude that the world is setting this kid up for failure," said Katherine Holloway, Coleman's attorney.
Coleman apologized to the boy's family in court.
"We impact each other as people. I impacted people at the age of 14 in a way that does not line up with who I am as a person," Coleman said.
As Judge Borowski gave his sentence to Coleman, he had a plea for other parents of young people in Milwaukee.
“We have a problem in this community with parenting, or a lack of parenting. And I’m tired of it," he said.