In a heartbreaking case out of Wisconsin, a 16-year-old, identified as J. Adams, has been sentenced to decades behind bars for the fatal hit-and-run death of S. Balogun, a 47-year-old woman. The incident occurred when Adams, at the age of 13, was involved in a car theft attempt that resulted in Balogun’s tragic death.
Adams, who was charged as an adult, pleaded guilty to second-degree reckless homicide and taking a vehicle without consent. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison, followed by 10 years of extended supervision, with credit for the over three years he has already served in custody.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The incident took place in October 2021, when Adams, along with a group of four other teenagers, attempted to steal a car from a hotel parking lot. Balogun, who was described as a “good Samaritan,” witnessed the teens trying to steal the car and decided to intervene.
She confronted the group and parked her vehicle in an effort to stop them from committing the crime.
As Balogun approached the group, some of the teens fled the scene, but Adams and two others stayed behind. Witness testimony and court records revealed that one of the teens punched Balogun in the face, knocking her to the ground.
Adams then entered her vehicle, kicked the door into her face, and, in a shocking turn of events, drove over her head while she was unconscious in the road.
Aftermath and Discovery
After the incident, Adams returned to the group and reportedly told them, “I killed that lady.” One of the teens, horrified by what had occurred, was heard shouting, “You runned her over, there’s blood gushing out of her head.”
Despite the severity of the situation, none of the teens attempted to check on Balogun. She was left on the road and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Balogun’s vehicle was located nearly a day later, and after a brief police chase, four teens, including Adams, were apprehended.
Adams originally faced six felony charges, including first-degree reckless homicide, hit-and-run resulting in death, and knowingly operating a vehicle without a license causing death. As part of a plea agreement, Adams pleaded guilty to two charges, while the others were dismissed.
Prosecutors Charge Adams as an Adult
Although Adams was only 13 at the time of the killing, he was tried as an adult due to the severity of the crime. Prosecutors used surveillance footage, eyewitness testimonies, and admissions from the teens involved to secure a conviction.
In court this week, Adams, now 16, received his sentence: 15 years of incarceration and 10 years of extended supervision upon his release, with credit for time served. His sentence is a chilling reminder of the consequences of reckless actions, especially when they result in the loss of an innocent life.
A Community Left Mourning
The death of S. Balogun has had a profound impact on the local community. Described as a woman who acted with courage and selflessness to protect others, she tragically paid the ultimate price. Her actions, confronting a dangerous situation to help others, have been widely praised by both prosecutors and police.
Balogun’s death highlights the devastating impact of violence, not only on the victims but also on the young people who make life-altering decisions. This case serves as a reminder of how quickly lives can be destroyed — both the victim’s life and the future of those who make reckless choices they can never undo.