Tragic Carjacking Turns Deadly for 79-Year-Old Army Veteran
In a heartbreaking incident, a 79-year-old Army veteran, James Norman, was dragged to his death in a brutal carjacking on his way to meet his family for dinner. This senseless act of violence unfolded at an Arco station in Norco, California, on the evening of the tragedy. The man, known as “Jim” to his loved ones, had a history of surviving near-death experiences, including a plane crash and a fall from a ladder. However, nothing could prepare his family for the horrific circumstances of his final moments.
A Family’s Grief Stricken by a Sudden Loss
The day was supposed to be a celebration of family. Jim had been looking forward to having dinner with his daughter, Nicole Lauritsen, and her husband. According to Nicole, they were getting ready to head out to meet him when Jim made a quick stop at the Arco station to clean his car. Nicole remembers how she had planned to call her father shortly to let him know they were on their way, but instead, she received an unexpected call from the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.
The call was a nightmare in itself. The deputies informed Nicole that her father had been involved in an accident, but the details were unclear. They asked if she could track his phone, and it became apparent that something was terribly wrong. Nicole's world was shaken as the reality of the situation began to unfold.
The Fatal Carjacking
At the Arco station, Jim had been vacuuming the back of his Chevy Trailblazer with the engine still running when the unthinkable happened. Investigators later revealed that 29-year-old Ryan Hewitt jumped into the driver’s seat and drove off, dragging Jim along with him. Jim, who did not have his hearing aids in, likely didn’t hear the vacuum running or the car starting. It is believed that the car door slammed on Jim as the vehicle began to reverse, leaving him unable to escape.
Witnesses to the crime described the horrifying scene, as Jim was dragged out of the parking lot, helplessly clinging to the back of his car. In a cruel twist, Jim’s frailty and age prevented him from reacting quickly enough to escape. Nicole’s account of this tragic moment paints a vivid picture of a life cut short in a brutal and senseless manner.
The Search and Discovery
Thanks to a proactive measure taken by Nicole, investigators were able to track Jim's car. She had placed an AirTag in his vehicle to ensure she could keep track of his movements. This device proved crucial in locating the stolen vehicle at a Riverside apartment complex shortly after the incident. The quick action of law enforcement helped bring the situation to a close, but it did little to ease the immense grief experienced by Jim's family.
Nicole expressed her gratitude to the strangers who stood by her father in his final moments. She was comforted by the fact that he was not left alone in his tragic end and was surrounded by caring individuals who ensured his dignity in death.
The Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Ryan Hewitt, the suspect responsible for the carjacking and subsequent murder, was apprehended after a brief investigation. Authorities charged him with second-degree murder and felony carjacking. He is currently being held in custody, awaiting his arraignment. His actions have left a family devastated and a community in shock.
A Family's Loss and a Community's Response
In the wake of this tragedy, the Norman family has started a GoFundMe page to cover the costs of Jim’s memorial service and any outstanding medical bills. The loss of Jim, who had lived a life filled with resilience and perseverance, has left an irreplaceable hole in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Nicole's message to the public reflects both her sorrow and her gratitude for the support her family has received during this difficult time. She holds onto the hope that her father’s passing was swift and that the strangers who protected his body in his final moments will one day be able to meet her, allowing her to thank them for their kindness.
This incident serves as a grim reminder of the randomness and brutality that can accompany carjackings, especially when they involve individuals who are most vulnerable. The community has rallied around the Norman family, showing support as they navigate this difficult journey of grief and loss.
A Call for Justice
As the legal proceedings unfold, the family hopes that justice will be served. The traumatic and violent nature of Jim's death has left a lasting impression on everyone involved, and there is a shared desire for accountability. For now, Jim's family is focused on honoring his memory, remembering his strength, and finding a way to move forward in a world that has been forever changed by this senseless crime.
