The Fatal Encounter at VJ’s Food Mart

On December 14, 2012, sixteen-year-old Corey Stingley attempted to shoplift $12 worth of flavored malt beverages from VJ’s Food Mart in West Allis, Wisconsin. After abandoning the items, he turned to leave when three men – Robert W. Beringer, Jesse R. Cole, and Maurio Laumann – intervened, attempting to detain him for the police. What followed was a violent struggle that ultimately proved fatal.

The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner determined that Corey Stingley died from a brain injury caused by asphyxiation during the altercation. The manner of death was ruled a homicide. Despite the findings, initial investigations by then-Milwaukee District Attorney John Chisholm resulted in no charges being filed against the three men, citing a lack of intent to injure or kill and a perceived absence of proper restraint training. This decision sparked immediate outrage and accusations of racial bias from the Stingley family and the NAACP, who argued the men acted with excessive force and impunity. Protests erupted, demanding accountability for Corey’s death.

A Father’s Decade-Long Fight for Justice

Refusing to accept the initial outcome, Craig Stingley embarked on a tireless quest for justice. He meticulously re-examined police reports, witness statements, and, crucially, the store’s surveillance video. Frame by frame, he analyzed the events leading to his son’s death, convinced that the actions of Beringer, Cole, and Laumann were unnecessary and unlawful. This painstaking review fueled his determination to reopen the case.

Initial attempts to engage with the District Attorney’s office proved fruitless. A 2015 request for a meeting was met with a dismissive email offering condolences but suggesting private legal counsel. However, Stingley’s persistence paid off in 2017 when he presented new evidence – footage showing Laumann applying pressure to Corey’s throat – to West Allis police. A subsequent review by a Racine County District Attorney yielded no further action for three years, until compelled by the court to issue a report concluding no charges were warranted.

Undeterred, Stingley discovered a little-known Wisconsin “John Doe” statute, allowing private citizens to petition a judge to review cases where prosecutors have declined to file charges. In November 2020, he filed a detailed 14-page petition with the Milwaukee County Circuit Court, citing legal precedent and presenting compelling evidence from the investigation. This petition ultimately led to the appointment of Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne to re-examine the case in July 2022.

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Restorative Justice and the Path to Accountability

While Ozanne’s review progressed, Stingley agreed to participate in a restorative justice program facilitated by the Andrew Center for Restorative Justice at Marquette University Law School, overseen by retired Chief Judge Mary Triggiano. This program brought Stingley face-to-face with Beringer and Cole in separate meetings, providing a platform for dialogue, acknowledgment of harm, and a search for healing.

During these emotionally charged sessions, Stingley shared stories of Corey’s life, his dreams, and the profound loss his family experienced. Beringer and Cole, in turn, expressed their perspectives on the events of that day. Stingley reported that Beringer demonstrated remorse and a deeper understanding of the tragedy, while Cole initially maintained that a pre-existing health condition, rather than the altercation, caused Corey’s death. A joint review of the surveillance video ultimately led Cole to acknowledge the role the struggle played in his son’s death.

This restorative process, while not erasing the pain, paved the way for a measure of closure and accountability. It also highlighted the potential of restorative justice as an alternative to traditional punitive measures, particularly in cases involving complex trauma and systemic issues. The 2023 ProPublica investigation played a crucial role in bringing renewed attention to the case and highlighting the importance of restorative justice practices.

What role should restorative justice play in the criminal justice system, and when is it most appropriate?

Frequently Asked Questions About the Corey Stingley Case

• What is felony murder, and how does it apply to the Corey Stingley case? Felony murder is a legal doctrine that holds individuals accountable for deaths that occur during the commission of another felony. In this case, prosecutors argue that the false imprisonment of Corey Stingley led directly to his death, triggering the felony murder statute.
• What role did restorative justice play in this case? Restorative justice provided a platform for Craig Stingley to meet with Robert Beringer and Jesse Cole, allowing for dialogue, acknowledgment of harm, and a search for healing. It contributed to a sense of closure and accountability.
• What is a deferred prosecution agreement? A deferred prosecution agreement allows defendants to avoid criminal convictions by completing certain requirements, such as community service or charitable donations. If the requirements are met, the charges are dismissed.
• Why did it take so long to file charges in the Corey Stingley case? The case was initially dismissed by prosecutors, and it took years of relentless effort by Craig Stingley, including the use of a unique Wisconsin statute, to reopen the investigation and ultimately file charges.
• What is the Wisconsin “John Doe” statute? This statute allows private citizens to petition a judge to consider whether a crime has been committed if prosecutors have declined to file charges, providing a pathway for independent investigation and potential prosecution.