A Wisconsin teenager who killed a woman trying to stop him from stealing a car has learned his fate. Jayden Adams, now 16, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison and an additional 10 years of extended supervision for the 2021 killing of 47-year-old Sunita Balogun in Wauwatosa.
Adams, who was just 13 at the time of the crime, pleaded guilty to second-degree reckless homicide and taking a vehicle without consent. He was tried as an adult. The sentence was handed down on Wednesday, June 18, according to Law & Crime.
A Tragic Night in Wauwatosa
The fatal incident occurred in the early hours of October 14, 2021. Around 1:50 a.m., officers responded to reports of a woman lying in the street on W. North Avenue. When they arrived, they found Balogun unresponsive with severe head trauma. Despite efforts to revive her, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators later determined that Adams and a group of teens had been attempting to steal a red Hyundai. Balogun, described by police as a “good Samaritan,” noticed the suspicious activity, pulled over in her SUV, and confronted the group.
The situation quickly escalated. During the confrontation, one of the teens punched Balogun in the face, knocking her to the ground. Adams then jumped into her SUV and drove over her head, killing her instantly.
Aftermath and Arrest
According to the criminal complaint, the teens fled the scene. Witnesses reported that Adams showed signs of remorse, telling others, “She dead,” and saying he was sorry.
Adams originally faced six felony charges, including first-degree reckless homicide, hit-and-run resulting in death, and operating a vehicle without a license causing death. Those charges were dropped as part of a plea agreement.
Though the court acknowledged Adams’ young age at the time, the sentence reflects the devastating impact of his actions and the loss of a woman who tried to do the right thing.
Sunita Balogun is remembered as a courageous and selfless individual who died trying to protect her community.
