Thirteen years after 16-year-old Corey Stingley died following a struggle inside a Wisconsin convenience store, his family has reached a measure of accountability in a case that remained largely inactive for over a decade.
Restorative Justice and a Deferred Prosecution Deal
On January 15, a judge in Milwaukee accepted guilty pleas from Robert W. Beringer and Jesse R. Cole in connection with Stingley’s death. The two men pleaded guilty to felony murder under a deferred prosecution agreement, meaning they will avoid jail time if they adhere to court-ordered conditions and remain free of new offenses. The agreement followed an extensive restorative justice process involving the Stingley family and the defendants, described by Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne as “healing for all involved.”
According to the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office, Stingley died from asphyxiation after a “violent struggle with multiple individuals” while being restrained by Beringer, Cole, and a third man, Mario Laumann, who later died in 2022. The incident stemmed from an alleged attempt to steal $12 worth of alcohol.
A Long Fight for Attention
The case initially stalled, with prosecutors declining to file charges, citing a lack of intent to kill. For years, Craig Stingley, Corey’s father, persistently advocated for a review of the evidence. He eventually utilized an obscure “John Doe” statute in late 2020 to petition a judge for further investigation, ultimately leading to the charges against Beringer and Cole.
At the January 15 hearing, Alicia Stingley, Corey’s mother, addressed the judge, stating, “Corey was my baby. A mother is not supposed to bury her child.” Following the proceedings, she embraced Beringer, and the family’s surviving son, Cameron, shook hands with both men. Craig Stingley characterized the moment as a turning point, stating his 13-year struggle “has turned into triumph.” The family emphasized their pursuit was not about retribution, but about acknowledging Corey’s life and the depth of their loss.
What Happens Next?
Beringer and Cole must now comply with the conditions of their deferred prosecution agreement. Should they fulfill these requirements and avoid any new criminal activity, the felony murder charges will be dropped. It is possible this outcome will prompt further discussion about the application of restorative justice practices in similar cases. It is also possible that the Stingley family will continue to advocate for broader changes within the justice system to address systemic inequities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the outcome of the case against Robert W. Beringer and Jesse R. Cole?
Robert W. Beringer and Jesse R. Cole pleaded guilty to felony murder under a deferred prosecution agreement, which allows them to avoid jail time if they comply with court-ordered conditions and do not commit any new crimes.
What role did restorative justice play in this case?
The case moved forward through a restorative justice process, where the two men and the Stingley family met face to face. District Attorney Ismael Ozanne stated this process “appears to have been healing for all involved.”
Why did it take so long for charges to be filed in Corey Stingley’s death?
Prosecutors initially declined to charge anyone, arguing there was no intent to kill. It took years of persistent advocacy by Craig Stingley, including utilizing a “John Doe” statute to petition a judge, to trigger a new review of the case and ultimately lead to charges.
What does justice look like when accountability is achieved outside of traditional sentencing?
