Milwaukee Teen Sentenced After Abduction Case
A 15-year-old was sentenced to prison following the abduction of a 7-year-old child in Milwaukee.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Pre-Teens
A Milwaukee judge sentenced 15-year-old Barry Coleman to 10 years in prison for his role in the abduction of 7-year-old Jamal White. The child was rescued by police after being held captive for 24 hours during a robbery attempt.
Why it matters
This case highlights the extreme trauma associated with child abduction and the severe legal consequences for youth involved in violent crimes. It underscores the critical importance of neighborhood safety and vigilance for families with young children.
Official court records confirm a 10-year prison sentence following a plea agreement, which dropped kidnapping charges in favor of robbery with the use of force. This sentencing concludes legal proceedings for a crime where the perpetrator faced 90 years of prison time prior to the deal.
The players
Barry Coleman
The 15-year-old perpetrator who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for robbery with the use of force.
Jamal White
The 7-year-old victim who was abducted from his front yard and held captive for 24 hours.
The details
The incident occurred when the perpetrator dragged the 7-year-old child from his front yard near 61st and Hustis streets into a vehicle. The kidnapping was part of a planned robbery scheme intended to extort money from the victim's family, during which the perpetrator debated physically harming the child to demonstrate intent. Police intervention successfully ended the 24-hour captivity.
Timeline
The abduction of Jamal White occurred in Summer 2025.
The kidnapping charge was dropped in May 2026.
Barry Coleman was sentenced in court on October 9, 2026.
Health Landscape
This incident highlights a departure from the community safety goals established under the Milwaukee Safe Streets initiative. It serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in protecting children from predatory acts within local neighborhoods.
Families in the area should prioritize open conversations about stranger safety and establish clear boundaries for where children can play. If a child experiences a traumatic event, discuss specialized counseling options with a pediatrician or mental health professional.
The takeaway
Child abduction represents a severe acute trauma that requires immediate professional support for the victim and their family. Parents are encouraged to maintain active supervision of children in outdoor spaces and consult a pediatrician to identify local child trauma resources if an incident occurs.
Further reading
For resources on supporting children following traumatic events, visit the Pre-Teens section.
