Milwaukee, WI — Authorities have arrested Shavon Williams, the mother of 7-year-old Jamal White Jr., and Corey Williams, her partner, in connection to a kidnapping scheme that triggered a statewide Amber Alert and led to the child’s recovery just days after he was taken.
On July 11, 2025, Jamal White Jr. was abducted in what initially appeared to be a random kidnapping. However, as the investigation unfolded, law enforcement uncovered disturbing evidence suggesting the incident may have been staged for financial gain. Shavon Williams, also known online as Paris Marie, is believed to have orchestrated the scheme alongside Corey Williams, who also shares her last name. The abduction prompted a statewide Amber Alert, but investigators later discovered a more complicated motive behind the crime.
The Abduction and Its Aftermath
The kidnapping occurred on July 11 around 9:00 p.m. when Corey Williams and two accomplices allegedly attempted to rob Shavon Williams, who was believed to have a significant amount of money and jewelry. Williams, a 32-year-old mother, reportedly had a GoFundMe campaign set up to collect donations, which police later suggested was part of the fraudulent scheme.
When Shavon Williams was not home, the suspects redirected their plan to Jamal’s father’s residence. According to surveillance footage, the suspects arrived at North 61st Street and West Hustis Street, where Corey Williams drove the vehicle while one suspect chased Jamal’s father into the home. Another suspect then grabbed Jamal White Jr. and forcibly placed him into the vehicle. Corey Williams was reportedly the driver of the white Jeep Renegade used in the abduction.
The Kidnappers’ Demands and Further Developments
Following the abduction, the suspects reportedly demanded a ransom of $100,000 in cash and jewelry for the safe return of Jamal. The kidnappers allegedly made 40 phone calls to Shavon Williams, threatening harm if their demands were not met. Authorities later confirmed that Corey Williams admitted to the police that he was part of the scheme and had engaged in the ransom negotiations.
In a court hearing, Corey Williams denied key parts of the prosecution’s case, especially an alleged statement he made about wanting to harm the child when the ransom was not paid. Assistant District Attorney Ryan Johnson cited Williams’ own statements to the police, saying, “What you also said to the police is that when the mother did not meet you to pay the ransom, for a little while, you thought about hurting that kid.” Williams denied these claims, stating, “That’s a lie,” but the evidence was reportedly captured on tape.
Shavon Williams’ Role and Arrest
Throughout the investigation, Shavon Williams was reportedly uncooperative with law enforcement, hindering efforts to locate her son. Authorities have stated that she did not actively participate in the search for Jamal and was not forthcoming with critical information. As a result, Shavon Williams is currently being held for a probation violation, though no charges have yet been filed against her in connection with the abduction. Corey Williams, on the other hand, is facing multiple serious charges, including kidnapping and hostage-taking. His bail was set at $100,000, and he is expected to appear in court again in the coming weeks.
The Role of Two Other Suspects
Two additional individuals have been arrested in connection with the case. These suspects include a 38-year-old man and a 14-year-old boy, although their identities have not yet been publicly released. Investigators have stated that both individuals played a role in the kidnapping and the subsequent ransom demands. The investigation remains ongoing, and law enforcement continues to piece together the details of the plot.
The case has drawn significant public attention, particularly as it involves a young child, fraudulent behavior, and a crime committed by individuals who appeared to be close family members. The kidnapping of Jamal White Jr. is now being treated as part of a larger criminal conspiracy, rather than an isolated incident.
Community and Legal Reactions
The community’s reaction to the case has been one of shock and dismay. Many have expressed their concerns about the motives behind the kidnapping and the role of Shavon Williams and Corey Williams in what appeared to be a manipulative crime that endangered an innocent child for financial gain. As the investigation continues, there are growing calls for stricter penalties for those involved in child abduction, particularly when it involves family members or individuals who were supposed to provide care and protection.
Family members of Jamal White Jr. have expressed their heartbreak over the situation, especially given the public nature of the abduction and the subsequent police investigations. Jamal’s family has issued a statement asking for privacy and patience as they deal with the aftermath of this traumatic event.
Conclusion and Moving Forward
This case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities that can lie behind seemingly straightforward kidnapping cases. While the initial Amber Alert focused on the urgent recovery of Jamal White Jr., the investigation revealed that the situation was far more involved than initially thought. As Corey Williams and other suspects face serious charges, the broader implications of family involvement in criminal activity and the manipulation of a child for fraudulent purposes continue to raise important ethical and legal questions.
The Milwaukee community, along with law enforcement, will continue to watch closely as the case progresses. Investigators are still piecing together the full details of the abduction, while ensuring that the victim’s rights and the integrity of the investigation are upheld. Further updates are expected as more facts become available and as the criminal justice system moves forward with the prosecution of the involved suspects.
In the meantime, Jamal White Jr.’s recovery is the primary concern for his family, who are grateful for his safe return despite the tragic circumstances that led to his abduction. The case remains open, and authorities are working diligently to ensure that justice is served.
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