Latest news with #SimoneWhite
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Daily Mail
Little boy, 7, is kidnapped at gunpoint as horrific act is caught on camera
A seven-year-old Wisconsin boy was kidnapped at gunpoint in a horrifying abduction that was caught on film. Jamal White was riding his bike near his home in Milwaukee when two armed suspects in a white Jeep Renegade blocked his family's driveway and forcibly took him. The video, released by authorities, shows the terrifying moment when the suspects exit their vehicle - one holding a gun and chasing after Jamal's father, while the other grabs the young boy and drags him into the car. 'I'm glad he's OK, but it's kind of like, I feel like I still can't rest because who would do something like this to a seven-year-old?' Simone White, Jamal's aunt, said in an interview with WISN 12 News. The boy's abduction prompted a statewide Amber Alert, setting off a desperate search that lasted nearly 24 hours. Police eventually found Jamal safe Saturday evening at a home about seven miles from the scene of the kidnapping. 'We literally cannot thank the community enough because I genuinely feel like if it wasn't for everybody just caring about this seven-year-old boy, we probably would not have found him,' Simone said, expressing gratitude for the public's swift response. Police have arrested 25-year-old Corey Gabriel Williams in connection with the kidnapping. Williams has been charged with kidnapping, taking hostages, and contributing to the delinquency of a child. A teenager, whose name has not been released, was also arrested in connection with the crime, WTMJ reported. According to the criminal complaint, Williams and the teen initially intended to rob Jamal's mother, whom they believed had a large sum of money from drug dealing. When they arrived at her house and found she wasn't there, they then turned their attention to Jamal's father, who was outside with his young son. Armed with guns, the suspects forced Jamal into their vehicle and sped off. Later, Williams and the teen allegedly contacted Jamal's mother, demanding $100,000 and jewelry in exchange for her son's safe return. They arranged a meeting in a park, but she never showed up, WTMJ reported. Jamal later told police that he overheard the suspects speaking to his mother on the phone, telling her they would bring him back - only for her to never appear. The kidnappers eventually realized that the Amber Alert was in full effect, and in an apparent attempt to avoid detection, the teen and another individual left Jamal with Williams, who hid in his attic while police closed in on the house. Jamal was found unharmed in a bedroom. In a bizarre twist, Jamal's uncle, 27-year-old Jamel K. White, was also arrested - not for the kidnapping, but for allegedly firing a gun during the search for his nephew. According to the criminal complaint, White fired shots toward a man and his son who were assisting in the search, hitting an unoccupied house and a tree. White now faces two felony charges of first-degree recklessly endangering safety with a dangerous weapon. Authorities say White later admitted to hiding a Glock pistol in a wooded area near the scene of the shooting. Williams now faces multiple charges related to the kidnapping, including kidnapping, taking hostages, and contributing to the delinquency of a child. If convicted, he could face up to 130 years in prison. Police are still investigating the case, including whether there was any connection between the suspects and Jamal's family. Jamal, who was released to Child Protective Services following his rescue, remains with CPS, though his family hopes for a reunion. 'We don't have any answers, and I feel like that is what is bothering the family a lot. I feel like a lot of us are unsettled,' Jamal's aunt told WISN 12. In a post on Facebook following his son's kidnapping, Jamal White Sr. defended his reaction to flee from the armed suspects rather than come to the defense of his son Additional reports also allege that Jamal's mother, Shavon Williams, has been arrested with 'charges pending' just days after her son was abducted at gunpoint In a post on Facebook following his son's kidnapping, Jamal White Sr. defended his reaction to flee from the armed suspects rather than come to the defense of his son. 'Hell yeah I ran,' he wrote, adding, 'I'm thinking they tryna rob me not take my damn baby. Y'all slow we both alive n my baby tried to get away like I taught 'em. God had us the whole time obviously did right my baby safe!' However, online critics have launched a fiery attack on the defensive dad. 'Your son gone beat on you when he get older and find out what you did buddy,' one user wrote. 'Bro you ran in the house and slammed the door,' a second wrote. 'I mean did you at least jog after the car?' a third asked. Additional reports also allege that Jamal's mother, Shavon Williams, has been arrested with 'charges pending' just days after her son was abducted at gunpoint. But, White Sr. has hit back, claiming those allegations are not true Social media users have since speculated that the Milwaukee-based couple 'staged the kidnapping' with an incentive to receive money in the search of the missing boy. 'Remember the little boy Jamal White that was kidnapped over the weekend and found well. Guess what allegedly? His parents created this false kidnapping so that they can raise money on GoFundMe,' one Facebook user alleged. Another wrote: 'So allegedly the parents of Jamal White came up with the idea of kidnapping their son so they could start a GoFund Me, once they got enough from the GoFund me they apparently was gone mysteriously find him.' But, White Sr. has hit back, claiming those allegations are not true. 'First I set it up, then my brother kidnapped my son, now I'm wrong for leaving my son. I know fucked up y'all ain't gotta tell me. My son good though. Y'all wanted to paint every picture of me to be the bad guy, I can't win with y'all but I won with my kid. Remember this the internet,' he wrote on Facebook.
Sky News AU
07-07-2025
- Sky News AU
‘No one should have to suffer like Simone': Survivor of Laos methanol tragedy calls for sweeping safety measures in airports
A British woman who narrowly survived a lethal methanol poisoning incident in Laos last year has spoken publicly for the first time, calling on authorities around the globe to roll out airport safety campaigns to prevent similar tragedies. Bethany Clarke, who had been travelling through Southeast Asia in late 2024, was among a group of international backpackers who unknowingly consumed methanol-laced alcohol at a hostel bar in the Laos tourist hotspot of Vang Vieng. Tragically, her best friend and travel companion, Simone White, was one of six people who died as a result of the poisoning. 'In November 2024, my childhood best friend Simone White, tragically and unexpectedly passed away in Laos. After we unknowingly consumed drinks laced with methanol in our hostel bar, Simone suffered irreversible brain damage,' Ms Clarke said. Ms White's mother was forced to make the devastating decision to switch off her daughter's life support following the incident. The poisoning, which took place at the Nana Backpacker Hostel, left a string of victims in its wake. Among the deceased were Australians Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, both aged 19, as well as other holidaymakers from around the world including Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman, 20, Freja Vennervald Sorensen, 21, and James Louis Hutson, 57. Others suffered severe consequences, with some losing their sight and many left traumatised by the events. Following an investigation by Laotian authorities, 11 staff members, including the hostel's manager, were arrested in connection with the incident. The hostel, though now closed and under renovation, recently appeared on travel sites under a different name - 'Vang Vieng Central Backpaper Hostel' - but with the same address. TripAdvisor told the BBC it had received a request to change the venue's name but said no proof of a change in ownership had been provided, meaning historical reviews would remain publicly visible. Ms Clarke, determined to prevent future deaths, is lobbying for stricter awareness measures in international airports, including high-visibility signs, leaflets, and staffed guidance points warning travellers of methanol dangers in certain regions. 'Methanol poisoning is a growing yet preventable problem in many countries, particularly in regions where alcohol is unregulated,' she said. 'Methanol can be present in high concentrations within counterfeit alcohol and can result in severe health issues, including seizures, blindness and even death. 'Travellers, who are often unaware of these dangers, are putting themselves at risk when drinking cocktails and other alcoholic drinks overseas.' 'These measures can greatly reduce the risk and offer a safer travelling experience for all. No one should have to go through the pain and loss we've experienced losing Simone.'
Perth Now
07-07-2025
- Perth Now
Laos drink poisoning victim's plea
A survivor of the Laos methanol poisoning in late 2024 is speaking out on the harrowing experience, campaigning for airports worldwide to introduce new protective measures against the deadly phenomenon. In November 2024 six people died after drinking alcohol suspected to be contaminated with methanol. Two of those were 19-year old Australians Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles. Bethany Clarke from the UK was one of the lucky survivors of the poisoning however her childhood best friend Simone White – who Ms Clarke was travelling with at the time – was not so fortunate. Now she's speaking out on the issue in an attempt to raise awareness. 'In November 2024, my childhood best friend Simone White, tragically and unexpectedly passed away in Laos. After we unknowingly consumed drinks laced with methanol in our hostel bar, Simone suffered irreversible brain damage,' she said. Bethany Clarke who lost her best friend Simone White to methanol poisoning while on holiday together in Laos is calling for more education on the dangers of bootleg alcohol. Picture Lachie Millard Credit: News Corp Australia 'Simone's mother then had to make the heart-wrenching decision to turn off her life support. Five other travellers including Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman, 20, Freja Vennervald Sorensen, 21, James Louis Hutson, 57, Bianca Jones, 19 and Holly Bowles, 19 died after drinking the same drinks provided by the hostel and other travellers have become blind and many others have been left traumatised by their experiences.' The poisoning occurred at the Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng Laos, an investigation by the Laotian government resulted in the subsequent arrest of 11 staff members including its manager. 'Methanol poisoning is a growing yet preventable problem in many countries, particularly in regions where alcohol is unregulated,' Ms Clarke said. 'Methanol can be present in high concentrations within counterfeit alcohol and can result in severe health issues, including seizures, blindness and even death. Travellers, who are often unaware of these dangers, are putting themselves at risk when drinking cocktails and other alcoholic drinks overseas.' 'Airports are crucial points of information that can provide warnings for millions of international travellers. Despite the pressing need, there is a lack of visible warnings and educational materials about methanol poisoning in airports around the world.' Ms Clarke is proposing airports display clearly visible signs, distribute leaflets and have mandatory guidance counters with information on methanol poisoning risk. 'These measures can greatly reduce the risk and offer a safer travelling experience for all. 'No one should have to go through the pain and loss we've experienced losing Simone.' The hostel has come under fire recently after a listing for 'Vang Vieng Central Backpaper Hostel' appeared on TripAdvisor and Agoda using the same address. The venue has remained closed since the poisoning and is under construction at the moment however TripAdvisor told the BBC that it had received a request to change the name of the hostel on the platform. A spokesman said it had not received proof of a change in ownership, so previous reviews would remain visible on the listing. Ms Clarke's petition is live on and is available to sign here.
News.com.au
07-07-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
‘Traumatised, heart-wrenching': Laos methanol poisoning victim speaks out
A survivor of the Laos methanol poisoning in late 2024 is speaking out on the harrowing experience, campaigning for airports worldwide to introduce new protective measures against the deadly phenomenon. In November 2024 six people died after drinking alcohol suspected to be contaminated with methanol. Two of those were 19-year old Australians Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles. Bethany Clarke from the UK was one of the lucky survivors of the poisoning however her childhood best friend Simone White – who Ms Clarke was travelling with at the time – was not so fortunate. Now she's speaking out on the issue in an attempt to raise awareness. 'In November 2024, my childhood best friend Simone White, tragically and unexpectedly passed away in Laos. After we unknowingly consumed drinks laced with methanol in our hostel bar, Simone suffered irreversible brain damage,' she said. 'Simone's mother then had to make the heart-wrenching decision to turn off her life support. Five other travellers including Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman, 20, Freja Vennervald Sorensen, 21, James Louis Hutson, 57, Bianca Jones, 19 and Holly Bowles, 19 died after drinking the same drinks provided by the hostel and other travellers have become blind and many others have been left traumatised by their experiences.' The poisoning occurred at the Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng Laos, an investigation by the Laotian government resulted in the subsequent arrest of 11 staff members including its manager. 'Methanol poisoning is a growing yet preventable problem in many countries, particularly in regions where alcohol is unregulated,' Ms Clarke said. 'Methanol can be present in high concentrations within counterfeit alcohol and can result in severe health issues, including seizures, blindness and even death. Travellers, who are often unaware of these dangers, are putting themselves at risk when drinking cocktails and other alcoholic drinks overseas.' 'Airports are crucial points of information that can provide warnings for millions of international travellers. Despite the pressing need, there is a lack of visible warnings and educational materials about methanol poisoning in airports around the world.' Ms Clarke is proposing airports display clearly visible signs, distribute leaflets and have mandatory guidance counters with information on methanol poisoning risk. 'These measures can greatly reduce the risk and offer a safer travelling experience for all. 'No one should have to go through the pain and loss we've experienced losing Simone.' The hostel has come under fire recently after a listing for 'Vang Vieng Central Backpaper Hostel' appeared on TripAdvisor and Agoda using the same address. The venue has remained closed since the poisoning and is under construction at the moment however TripAdvisor told the BBC that it had received a request to change the name of the hostel on the platform. A spokesman said it had not received proof of a change in ownership, so previous reviews would remain visible on the listing. Ms Clarke's petition is live on and is available to sign here.
South China Morning Post
22-06-2025
- Health
- South China Morning Post
British survivor of Laos methanol poisoning speaks out after watching friend die
British national Bethany Clarke still remembers that day in Vang Vieng, Laos – tubing down the river with friends, followed by a sunset happy hour at the Nana Backpackers Hostel. It had all the hallmarks of a classic backpacker afternoon. The vodka and whisky shots were free. The cost would come later. It was November 12, 2024. The next morning, Clarke and her two companions – childhood friend Simone White and a male friend – set out early for a kayaking trip they had planned the day before. But instead of excitement, Clarke felt unusually drained. 'I just felt sick and we were lying flat on our backs in the kayaks looking at the sky. My brain wasn't functioning. I didn't feel like it was a hangover, but I couldn't work out why. It didn't make sense,' Clarke told This Week in Asia. It was the beginning of a nightmare that would end in a hospital bed in Vientiane, with Clarke watching her best friend die from methanol poisoning – a preventable tragedy that, experts say, continues to result from periodic outbreaks of contaminated alcohol across Southeast Asia and claims hundreds of lives worldwide each year. Shots being served at the Nana Backpackers Hostel in Vang Vieng on November 12, last year. Photo: Facebook/Bethany Clarke White, a 28-year-old lawyer from the UK , had also felt unwell that morning. Still groggy and confused, the group endured a torturous bus ride to the Laotian capital, first to visit a medical clinic before being referred to a larger hospital, as White's condition quickly deteriorated.
