Milwaukee Teen Sentenced After Child Abduction Case
A 15-year-old was sentenced to prison following the abduction of a 7-year-old from his home.
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 held captive for 24 hours after being taken from his front yard near 61st and Hustis streets.
Why it matters
The case highlights the severity of robbery-related abduction plots, as the perpetrator had originally faced up to 90 years in prison before a plea agreement was reached. The court order requires Coleman to serve five years of extended supervision following his prison term.
The sentence includes 10 years of incarceration and five years of extended supervision. The perpetrator, aged 15, was sentenced for a robbery scheme involving a 7-year-old victim who was held for 24 hours.
The players
Barry Coleman
The 15-year-old perpetrator who was sentenced to 10 years in prison following the abduction of a child.
Jamal White
The 7-year-old victim who was abducted from his front yard and held captive for 24 hours.
The details
The incident began when the perpetrator abducted the child from his front yard as part of a plot to extort money from the victim's family. During the 24-hour captivity, the perpetrator discussed the possibility of physically harming the child to demonstrate intent. The case concluded in May 2026 when a kidnapping charge was dropped as part of a plea agreement, leaving robbery with the use of force as the most serious charge.
Timeline
Summer 2025: The abduction of Jamal White occurred.
May 2026: The kidnapping charge was dropped per a plea agreement.
October 9, 2026: Barry Coleman was sentenced in court.
The Home Front
This sentencing reflects current judicial standards regarding the prosecution of violent crimes committed by minors in urban residential areas. The outcome follows the legal guidelines established by the Wisconsin juvenile justice system for felony robbery convictions.
Families should prioritize neighborhood safety conversations by establishing clear boundaries about front-yard play and stranger awareness. Consider reviewing your home security routines, such as ensuring fences and gates are secure and maintaining clear lines of sight from common areas.
The takeaway
Incidents involving child abduction often stem from broader threats to household safety that demand heightened vigilance from parents and neighbors. Review your family safety plan and ensure children know how to contact local authorities in the event of an emergency.
Further reading
For resources on keeping your neighborhood safe and talking to your children about personal safety, visit Pre-Teens.
