Probation for men who stole car with young girls inside in Oak Creek
2024-08-02
Stolen Car Ordeal: Trauma, Lessons, and Redemption
In a shocking incident that shook the community, two men stole a car with two young girls inside at an Oak Creek Kwik Trip, leaving the children's parents in a state of panic and despair. The case has now taken an unexpected turn, with the perpetrators facing probation and minimal jail time, raising questions about the justice system's approach to such crimes.
Stolen Moments, Lasting Scars
The Frantic 911 Call
The ordeal began with a frantic 911 call from the children's father, Adam Jorgenson, who reported, "Someone just stole my car on 27th Street with my two kids in the car." The theft occurred at the Kwik Trip on 27th and College in February, leaving the family in a state of sheer terror.
The Trauma Inflicted
In the courtroom, Judge Jeffrey Wagner questioned the gravity of the crime, asking one of the convicted men, Bedee Usama, "You understand what kind of trauma you imposed on these victims?" The judge's words echoed the profound impact the incident had on the family, as the parents have since become more anxious and paranoid, constantly looking over their shoulders while loading their children in and out of the car.
The Perpetrators' Motives
When asked about his motivations, Usama responded, "I was just with the wrong crowd," a sentiment that failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the trauma he had inflicted on the innocent children. The other perpetrator, Ladarius Wright, was accused of distracting the father with a ruse, further compounding the family's ordeal.
The Abandoned Car and Terrified Children
Investigators revealed that when Usama noticed the children in the car, he abandoned the vehicle, leaving the 2-year-old and 8-year-old daughters in a state of sheer terror. The children's voicemail to their mother, "Mom, we need you. We lost dad," was a heartbreaking testament to the emotional turmoil they experienced.
The Judge's Questioning
Judge Wagner probed Usama's actions after the theft, asking, "Why didn't you just stay with the car to make sure those kids were protected?" Usama's response, "I felt like it would have been worse for me if I stayed there," further highlighted the lack of concern for the well-being of the children.
The Sentencing and Opportunity for Redemption
Despite the gravity of the crime, Judge Wagner sentenced both men to three years of probation, with Usama receiving an additional one month in jail. The judge also offered the defendants the opportunity to have their charges wiped from their record, provided they adhere to their entire sentence without any violations. This decision has sparked debate about the balance between punishment and rehabilitation in the justice system.
The Ongoing Investigation and Testimony
The case is not yet closed, as both men have agreed to testify against a third suspect, Bobby Joe Reed, whom prosecutors believe was the ringleader. Reed is scheduled to go on trial in September, and the outcome of this case may shed further light on the broader criminal network involved in the incident.The Oak Creek car theft case has left a lasting impact on the community, raising questions about the appropriate response to such crimes and the need to prioritize the well-being of victims, particularly vulnerable children. As the legal process continues, the hope is that the perpetrators will be held accountable and that the family can find a path towards healing and restoration.