The tragic and brutal murder of 79-year-old Army veteran James Norman in a Southern California carjacking has shocked the nation, exposing yet another failure of weak-on-crime policies that have turned the Golden State into a haven for violent criminals. Norman, a proud veteran who served his country with honor, was viciously dragged to his death by 29-year-old Ryan Hewitt, a thug who callously stole the elderly man’s Chevy Trailblazer while the engine was running at a Norco gas station.
Norman’s family revealed that the frail veteran, who had survived a lifetime of close calls—including a plane crash and a fall from a ladder—was ultimately killed in a senseless act of violence that should never have happened in a society that claims to value law and order. His daughter, Nicole Lauritsen, recounted the horrifying moment she learned of her father’s fate:
“I got a call from a Riverside County sheriff’s deputy. ‘Your dad’s been in an accident. Is there any way to track his phone?’ And I said, ‘No, but I can track his car,’ and that’s kind of where it led,” Lauritsen said. “Nothing made sense at the time, I think, obviously because it was an investigation, they couldn’t say anything.”
BREAKING: California carjacker drives away with owner before dragging him to his death.
Gavin Newsom has turned California into hell. pic.twitter.com/rioUOcvrTp
— Dapper Detective (@Dapper_Det) May 13, 2025
Instead of enjoying a family dinner, Norman’s loved ones were left to mourn a man who had lived a life of adventure, service, and resilience. A former soldier, construction worker, truck driver, and even a pilot, Norman embodied the American spirit—hardworking, courageous, and devoted to his family. Yet, his life was cut short by a criminal who had no regard for human dignity.
Hewitt, now charged with felony carjacking and second-degree murder, is being held on a $1 million bail—a paltry sum for such a heinous crime. This case is yet another example of how soft sentencing and revolving-door justice systems embolden criminals while leaving innocent citizens vulnerable. While liberal media outlets downplay the crime epidemic and push narratives that excuse lawlessness, hardworking Americans—especially our veterans—pay the price.
SAY HIS NAME: James Norman (79)
U.S. Army Veteran. Dragged and kiIIed in a brutaI carjacking while cleaning his car in California on Monday.
Zero outrage. pic.twitter.com/CclVW2ElUz
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) May 14, 2025
James Norman’s story should serve as a wake-up call. It’s time to restore law and order, support our veterans, and ensure that monsters like Hewitt face the full weight of justice.