A 31-year-old man from Yukon, Oklahoma, named Joshua Anthony Wallin, has been found guilty of kidnapping and brandishing a firearm during the crime. The verdict was announced by U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani after a four-day trial in Corpus Christi, Texas.
The federal jury deliberated for approximately three hours before convicting Wallin on both counts. This decision comes after Wallin’s maniacal decision to kidnap and torture his estranged wife and one-year-old son. His actions caused two days of terror from Oklahoma to Texas.
Wallin confronted his estranged wife at her home in Crescent, Oklahoma, in the early morning hours of June 23, 2021. Holding her at gunpoint, he subjected her to a two-day ordeal. During this time, he sexually assaulted her multiple times. The victim provided testimony during the trial describing her fear and the threats Wallin made throughout the journey.
As Wallin and the victims traveled through Texas, he was aware of law enforcement and called 911 to make threatening statements about killing his wife and child. He warned authorities not to get too close. Recognizing his erratic driving, law enforcement used a tire deflation device to flatten a rear tire. Wallin eventually crashed into a local restaurant in Corpus Christi.
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Upon arriving at the restaurant, Wallin grabbed his son from the mother’s arms and held a gun to his head. He fired a shot into the ceiling and ordered the occupants to evacuate. A two-hour stand-off followed, during which Wallin spoke with negotiators but became increasingly agitated. As authorities gained entry, Wallin shot himself, but the child was unharmed.
Throughout the trial, evidence revealed that Wallin had performed internet searches on his phone the day before the kidnapping, attempting to locate his estranged wife and learn how people react when kidnapped. The defense tried to convince the jury that Wallin and the victim were on a vacation that went wrong, but the jury did not believe these claims.
U.S. District Judge David S. Morales presided over the trial and set sentencing for September 20. Wallin faces up to life in prison for the kidnapping charge and an additional seven years for brandishing the firearm, which must be served consecutively. Until the sentencing hearing, Wallin will remain in federal custody.
This case highlights the importance of first responders and their heroic efforts in ensuring the safety of the victims. It also emphasizes the need for strong legal consequences for individuals who commit violent crimes such as kidnapping and brandishing firearms.
The outcome of this trial serves as a reminder that the justice system will hold individuals accountable for their actions and prioritize the safety and well-being of innocent victims.
