MILWAUKEE, WI — Authorities have arrested the parents of 7-year-old Jamal White Jr. after uncovering what they allege was a staged kidnapping scheme designed to fraudulently collect donations through a GoFundMe campaign.
The child’s mother, 32-year-old Shavon Williams (also known online as Paris Marie), and a man identified as Corey Williams, who shares her last name, were taken into custody following the incident. Law enforcement alleges that the pair orchestrated the disappearance of their son to generate public sympathy and financial contributions through a fundraising campaign.
According to investigators, the scheme involved falsely reporting Jamal missing on July 11, 2025, and launching a GoFundMe to solicit donations for his “safe return.” The plan reportedly included staging the child’s recovery after collecting funds. However, the plot unraveled when Milwaukee police located Jamal safe on July 12, 2025, near 39th and Lloyd, less than 24 hours after an Amber Alert was issued.
Jamal was reportedly taken at gunpoint from outside his home near 61st and Hustis streets on the city’s northwest side, prompting a statewide Amber Alert. Doorbell camera footage captured a white Jeep Renegade, allegedly used in the abduction, following Jamal as he rode his bicycle before screams were heard. The swift response from law enforcement and community efforts led to the boy’s recovery before significant funds could be withdrawn from the fundraising campaign.
Jamal is now in the custody of Child Protective Services (CPS) as the investigation continues. Shavon Williams was arrested days after filing the missing persons report, and Corey Williams, a 25-year-old, was apprehended in connection with the abduction. Authorities have confirmed that charges are pending against both parents, with prosecutors working alongside child welfare authorities and cybercrime units to evaluate potential financial crimes and the full extent of the incident.
While some online discussions have speculated that Corey Williams may have been the primary orchestrator of the scheme, Milwaukee police have not officially confirmed these claims. Additionally, three men were arrested in connection with the case: a 25-year-old detained for a probation violation at the location where Jamal was found, and two 27-year-olds apprehended at the residence from which Jamal was taken, facing tentative charges of resisting and obstructing and second-degree recklessly endangering safety.
The case has sparked significant outrage online, with many expressing shock and anger over the alleged exploitation of public generosity and the trauma inflicted on a young child. Authorities have emphasized that staging a kidnapping is a serious criminal offense that diverts critical resources and erodes trust in systems designed to protect vulnerable children.
Further details are expected to be released as the investigation progresses, with law enforcement continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged scheme.