A 13-year pursuit of justice for a Wisconsin father concluded Thursday with a plea deal accepted by a Milwaukee judge in the case of his teenage son’s death. Robert W. Beringer and Jesse R. Cole pleaded guilty to felony murder, stemming from the 2012 death of 16-year-old Corey Stingley.
A Shoplifting Incident with Tragic Consequences
The charges relate to an incident at VJ’s Food Mart in West Allis, Wisconsin, where Beringer and Cole helped restrain Stingley after he allegedly attempted to steal $12 worth of Smirnoff Ice. According to court documents, the men held Stingley while waiting for police to arrive. A third man, Mario Laumann, has since died, and was seen on surveillance video applying a chokehold to the teenager.
The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Stingley’s death a homicide, attributing it to a brain injury caused by asphyxiation during a “violent struggle with multiple individuals.”
Restorative Justice and the Plea Agreement
Despite initial decisions not to pursue charges, Craig Stingley relentlessly pursued justice for his son. He utilized a rarely invoked Wisconsin “John Doe” statute, allowing a private citizen to petition a judge to investigate potential crimes. This led to the appointment of Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne as a special prosecutor in 2022.
Ozanne recommended the deferred prosecution agreement following an extensive restorative justice process. This involved facilitated meetings between the Stingley family and Beringer and Cole, overseen by a retired judge. Ozanne stated the process “appears to have been healing for all involved.”
Under the agreement, Beringer and Cole will each donate $500 to a charity chosen by the Stingley family. If they comply with the terms and remain crime-free for six months, the charges will be dismissed.
A Father’s Triumph and a Family’s Healing
During the hearing, Alicia Stingley, Corey’s mother, spoke of forgiveness and embraced Beringer. Cameron Stingley, Corey’s brother, shook the hands of both men. Craig Stingley described his 13-year struggle as having “turned into triumph.” The family stated they sought “acknowledgement — of Corey’s life, his humanity, and the depth of our loss.”
Prosecutors noted that while all three men restrained Stingley, it was Laumann who ultimately caused his death by applying a chokehold. Ozanne stated that had Laumann still been alive, a lengthy prison sentence would likely have been sought.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charge were Beringer and Cole ultimately convicted of?
Beringer and Cole pleaded guilty to felony murder, a charge brought in cases where a death occurs during the commission of another crime – in this case, false imprisonment.
What is restorative justice?
Restorative justice is a process that brings together survivors and offenders, facilitated by a trained mediator, to discuss the harm caused by a crime and work toward understanding, healing, and making amends.
What happens next for Beringer and Cole?
If Beringer and Cole comply with the terms of the agreement – making the $500 donation and remaining crime-free for six months – the charges against them will be dismissed.
As this case closes, one is left to consider the complexities of justice, accountability, and the long road to healing for those left behind.
