Milwaukee Police Investigate Disappearance of 7-Year-Old as Possible Abduction

Milwaukee, WI — July 11, 2025

Milwaukee police have escalated the case of 7-year-old Jamal D. White, who went missing on Friday evening, to a possible child abduction after new evidence pointed to suspicious and potentially criminal circumstances surrounding his disappearance.

The child was last seen at approximately 7:00 p.m. on July 11, near the 6200 block of West Hustis Street, on Milwaukee’s northwest side. Authorities initially classified the case as a critical missing person investigation but later activated the Amber Alert system following a review of witness statements and preliminary surveillance footage.

What Happened

According to police reports, witnesses in the neighborhood observed a young child being approached by a masked individual, described as a Black male wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and face covering. The man was allegedly seen ushering the boy into a white Jeep Renegade SUV, which then left the area in an unknown direction. The vehicle’s license plates are also unknown at this time.

Although no video of the actual abduction has been made public, law enforcement officials confirmed that credible evidence exists to support issuing a statewide Amber Alert, which was sent out in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The suspect is believed to be armed with a handgun, prompting officials to warn that the suspect should not be approached by civilians. Anyone who spots the vehicle or individual matching the description is urged to call 911 immediately.

About the Missing Child

Jamal D. White is described as:

Age: 7 years old

Height: Approximately 4 feet

Weight: About 80 pounds

Hair/Eyes: Short black hair, brown eyes

Clothing: Last seen wearing a white t-shirt and black shorts

His family has been cooperating fully with authorities, and neighborhood canvassing began shortly after police were notified on Friday night. Police dogs, drones, and surveillance teams have been deployed to search the area and follow any potential leads.

Amber Alert and Investigation Status

The Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) confirmed the Amber Alert was authorized based on the belief that Jamal was abducted and that immediate public awareness could help recover the child safely.

Amber Alerts are only issued in Wisconsin when specific criteria are met:

The child is under 18

Law enforcement believes the child has been abducted

There is enough descriptive information (child, suspect, and/or vehicle) to help locate the child

The alert is issued within a reasonable time from the initial disappearance

In Jamal’s case, all four conditions were met.

What the Public Can Do

Milwaukee police are asking for the public’s help:

Check home security cameras and doorbell footage from the area near 61st and Hustis around 6:30–7:30 p.m. Friday

Be on the lookout for a white Jeep Renegade SUV, possibly with tinted windows or concealed license plates

Report any sightings of Jamal, the suspect, or the vehicle to police by calling (414) 935-7242

Share verified Amber Alert information on social media and with local neighborhood groups

Community on High Alert

As news of the abduction spread, local residents and organizations responded with concern and urgency. Neighborhood watch groups have been coordinating search efforts, while local churches and schools have circulated flyers and digital alerts across their networks.

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson issued a statement Saturday morning, urging the public to stay calm but vigilant:

“We ask every Milwaukeean to pay close attention to this case. A child’s life may depend on someone noticing something, anything. No tip is too small.”

Ongoing Efforts

The investigation remains active and high-priority. Additional support from state and federal agencies, including the FBI’s Child Abduction Rapid Deployment (CARD) Team, has not been ruled out.

Authorities emphasize that time is critical in missing child cases. The first 24 to 48 hours are often the most important for finding a child safe and unharmed.

If You Have Information

Call the Milwaukee Police Department’s District Four at (414) 935-7242 or 911. Your call could make the difference in bringing Jamal White home safely.