Crime
Shavon Williams, Mother of 7-Year-Old Jamal White Jr., Arrested Days After His Abduction and Recovery
A Milwaukee man accused of participating in the abduction of a 7-year-old boy—an incident that triggered a statewide Amber Alert—is now challenging the evidence against him.
Corey Williams, identified by prosecutors as one of three individuals involved in the July 11 kidnapping of young Jamal Williams, appeared in Milwaukee County Court on Friday for his initial hearing.
During the proceedings, Williams denied some of the allegations and at times engaged directly with the court commissioner over statements attributed to him.
According to the criminal complaint and related search warrant affidavits, the kidnapping stemmed from a failed robbery attempt.
Prosecutors allege that Corey Williams and two accomplices had planned to rob someone they believed to be a local drug dealer—Shavon Williams, the boy’s mother.
When she was not home, the suspects allegedly redirected their plan to the father’s residence, located near North 61st and West Hustis streets.
Surveillance video shows a white Jeep Renegade pulling into a driveway at that location.
One individual is seen chasing the child’s father into the home, while another suspect follows Jamal up the driveway, forcibly grabbing him and placing him into the vehicle. Prosecutors say Corey Williams was the driver.
During Friday’s hearing, Court Commissioner Barry Phillips addressed Williams directly about his role in the abduction.
“As the driver, you could have easily said, ‘Don’t take the kid. Don’t bring that kid in this car.’ You didn’t do that,” Phillips said.
Court documents further reveal that the suspects took Jamal to Williams’ home near North 39th and West Lloyd streets.
While there, the child reportedly watched cartoons and played with Legos.
Investigators also traced more than 40 phone calls from the kidnappers to the boy’s mother, demanding $100,000 in cash and jewelry in exchange for the child’s safe return.
“How do we know all of that? Because the defendant himself told us,” said Assistant District Attorney Ryan Johnson, referring to Williams’ own statements to police.
Williams appeared visibly frustrated during parts of the hearing, shaking his head and disputing key portions of the prosecution’s narrative.
One moment of contention came when Commissioner Phillips referenced a disturbing admission allegedly made by Williams during police questioning:
“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,” Phillips said.
“That’s a lie,” Williams replied.
“OK, well, it’s on tape, and we’ll find out if it’s a lie or not,” Phillips responded.
“Clearly, you all didn’t watch it, then,” Williams said.
Bail for Corey Williams was set at $100,000. He currently faces charges of kidnapping and taking a hostage.
In a related development, investigators say the boy’s mother, Shavon Williams, was uncooperative during the investigation and hindered law enforcement’s efforts to locate her son.
She is currently being held on a probation violation, though no charges have been filed against her in connection with the abduction at this time.
Police have also taken two other individuals into custody in connection with the case: a 38-year-old man and a 14-year-old boy.
Their names have not yet been publicly released. The investigation remains ongoing.
Crime
Celeste Gusman, 66, Dies After Stabbing at Kalihi Business in Honolulu; Police Investigate as Homicide
HONOLULU, Hawaii — A 66-year-old woman has died following a stabbing at a business in Honolulu’s Kalihi neighborhood, leaving her family, friends, and the local community grieving a tragic loss.
The victim was identified as Celeste Gusman, according to the Honolulu Police Department. Officers responded to a business in the 2300 block of North School Street at approximately 3:20 p.m. Wednesday after receiving a report of a stabbing.
When officers arrived, they found Gusman suffering from a stab wound. Emergency medical personnel quickly began providing advanced lifesaving treatment at the scene before transporting her to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, Gusman later succumbed to her injuries.
Authorities also reported that another woman, who is in her 60s, sustained minor injuries during the incident. According to the information released, she was injured in a fall amid the disturbance and was transported to a hospital in stable condition.
No further details about the circumstances surrounding the second woman’s injuries have been provided.
Following the incident, police initially arrested a 23-year-old man on suspicion of second-degree attempted murder. After Gusman died from her injuries, authorities reclassified the case as a murder investigation.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the stabbing. Police have not yet released information about what may have triggered the incident or whether the suspect knew Gusman.
The suspect’s arrest and the ongoing investigation do not establish guilt. Further details are expected as authorities continue gathering evidence and determining the events that led to the fatal attack.
The death of Celeste Gusman at 66 has brought sadness to those affected by this incident. A place of business in a familiar neighborhood became the scene of a tragedy, and loved ones are now facing the difficult reality of losing someone important to them.
While many questions remain unanswered, the loss of life has deeply affected the community. Friends, relatives, and neighbors are left remembering Gusman and hoping that the investigation will bring clarity about what happened.
Please keep Celeste Gusman’s family, friends, and loved ones in your thoughts during this difficult time. The injured woman and everyone affected by the incident also deserve support as they recover.
May Celeste Gusman rest in peace. May her loved ones find comfort, strength, and healing in the days ahead.