West Allis police investigate teen's death, shoplifting incident

WEST ALLIS -- West Allis police have confirmed to FOX6 News they are investigating the death of 16-year-old Corey Stingley -- calling his death a tragedy.

West Allis police had said Stingley was taken to the hospital after an incident at a convenience store at 92nd and Schlinger Ave. in West Allis Friday afternoon, December 14th. 

Police say they were notified of a shoplifting at V.J.'s Food Mart around 4:15 p.m.

FOX6 News spoke with the store owner, who said Stingley tried to buy an item with a debit or credit card and allegedly steal beer. The clerk kept the card, and gave the teen a chance to return the beer. The clerk claims Stingley then tried to jump the counter and grab his card back, and that's when some customers jumped in.

When they arrived on scene, they found store customers had restrained the teen. However, when they approached Stingley, they found he was not breathing. They began CPR to try to revive him.

West Allis Fire Department personnel arrived, they took over resuscitation efforts and were able to get Stingley breathing again. Stingley was taken to Froedtert Hospital for treatment.

Stingley -- a West Allis Nathan Hale High School football player, was eventually removed from life support after it was discovered he had significant damage to his brain on Saturday evening, December 29th.

A service is planned for Stingley for Saturday, January 5th at Parklawn Assembly of God Church, 3725 N. Sherman Blvd., Milwaukee, WI. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with the service at 12:00 p.m.

Police say they are investigating whether a crime has occurred, and are working with the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office. They say they are looking into a number of possibilities, including whether any pre-existing health conditions may have played a role in Stingley's death. They say they are also investigating surveillance video from the store.

There is no timetable on when or if charges will be filed.