In April 2014, Ronald Karis found himself in a nightmare scenario, frantically dialing 911 after being struck with a brick, thrown into a vehicle's trunk, and kidnapped. The call, though distressing, became a lifeline as Karis attempted to convey his dire situation to the dispatcher.
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During the call, Karis struggled to provide a precise location, but his desperate pleas for help echoed through the phone line. He mentioned being in the Sixth Avenue area, indicating his general vicinity to the dispatcher. Despite his fear and confusion, Karis managed to disclose the name "Jordan" as one of his assailants.
The dispatcher urged Karis to escape, advising him to pull a lever and flee if the car stopped. However, Karis lamented his inability to get away, highlighting the severity of his situation.
Police were able to trace Karis's phone to Prospect Park in Des Moines, where they found a shattered car window and Karis in a nearby wooded area, bleeding from severe head injuries sustained during the abduction. He was rushed to Mercy Medical Center, where he fought for his life.
Deborah Oliver and her accomplice, John Deering, were apprehended and charged with first-degree kidnapping. Their motive stemmed from a belief that Karis possessed money. Oliver was convicted of first-degree kidnapping, attempted murder, and willful injury, while Deering faced similar charges.
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The brutal assault left Karis with severe brain damage, requiring round-the-clock care. Tragically, he passed away a year later due to complications from the attack. The impact of Karis's suffering reverberated through his family, with his stepdaughter, Jackie Martin, testifying to his struggles and the void left by his absence.
The 911 call, though haunting, served as a crucial link in the chain of events that led to Karis's rescue and the pursuit of justice against his assailants. Detective Danny White, reflecting on the call, emphasized its disturbing nature and the urgency it instilled in law enforcement to intervene and save Karis's life.
Despite the conviction of Oliver and Deering, the scars left by Karis's abduction and assault continue to linger, serving as a stark reminder of the brutality and senselessness of such crimes.