MILWAUKEE, WI — In a development that has brought both relief and urgency to the city of Milwaukee, authorities have identified and arrested a suspect in connection with the armed abduction of 7-year-old Jamal White, also affectionately known by his family as “Baby J.” The child, who had been the subject of an Amber Alert following his disappearance on the evening of July 11, 2025, was thankfully located unharmed the following day. However, the case remains active as law enforcement continues to investigate.

The Milwaukee Police Department has confirmed that Corey Williams is the individual suspected of orchestrating the terrifying abduction. Williams was taken into custody Saturday afternoon, July 12, after officers located both him and Jamal near 39th Street and Lloyd Street, just over a day after the incident began.

The Abduction

According to investigators, the abduction occurred around 7:00 p.m. on July 11, near the area of North 61st and West Hustis Streets in Milwaukee. Witnesses reported seeing a male suspect dressed in a black hoodie and black face mask, armed with a handgun, forcibly remove the child from the street and place him into a white Jeep Renegade.

An Amber Alert was immediately activated, and Milwaukee residents were urged to be on high alert. Surveillance images of the vehicle and public pleas for assistance were circulated across media outlets and social media platforms.

Jamal White was last seen wearing a white T-shirt and black shorts, and is described as approximately 4 feet tall, weighing around 80 pounds, with short black hair and brown eyes.

A Break in the Case

On the afternoon of July 12, more than 18 hours after he was reported missing, Jamal was located safe near 39th and Lloyd Streets. The location was several miles from where he was abducted. Law enforcement has since confirmed that Corey Williams was found in the company of the child at the time of his recovery. Williams was immediately arrested and is now being held in police custody.

Authorities have not yet disclosed whether Williams had a prior relationship with the child or his family, nor have they publicly speculated on the motive behind the abduction. The Milwaukee Police Department stated that it is actively pursuing leads and is working to determine whether any additional suspects were involved in planning or executing the kidnapping.

Community Response

The safe return of Jamal White was met with relief across the city, with family members expressing profound gratitude to law enforcement and the public. “We are so thankful to have our baby back,” one family member reportedly said. “We were living every parent’s worst nightmare. We just want to hold him and never let go.”

The case, however, has left lingering unease throughout the Milwaukee community, especially considering that the abduction was executed with a firearm in a residential neighborhood. Several local leaders have called for increased neighborhood patrols and community engagement to prevent such incidents from recurring.

Parents in the area have also been vocal in their calls for increased safety measures. “This was way too close to home,” said one resident. “It could have been any of our kids.”

Ongoing Investigation

Law enforcement officials emphasize that this is an active investigation, and they are working to compile a complete picture of the events that transpired before, during, and after the abduction.

Officials are asking for the public’s help in tracing Corey Williams’ movements in the hours leading up to the kidnapping, as well as anyone who may have seen the white Jeep Renegade in or around the area of Hustis and 61st or Lloyd and 39th.

“We are committed to ensuring that justice is served and that anyone else involved in this crime is held accountable,” said a spokesperson from the Milwaukee Police Department. “We encourage anyone with information, no matter how minor it may seem, to come forward.”

Tips can be submitted by calling Milwaukee Police District Four at (414) 935-7242 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (414) 224-TIPS.

A Cautionary Tale

Though this incident concluded with the child being found safe, authorities stress that such cases are a sobering reminder of the real and present danger posed by abductions, especially those carried out with violence or the threat of violence. The prompt issuance of the Amber Alert, combined with public vigilance and rapid police response, played a critical role in ensuring Jamal’s safe return.

In the coming days, the community will look to law enforcement and city officials for answers and assurance. For now, the most important outcome remains that Jamal White is alive and safe, surrounded by loved ones who feared the worst but witnessed the best possible result.

As legal proceedings begin for Corey Williams, Milwaukee will continue to seek healing, justice, and a recommitment to the safety of its children.