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Extradition hearings underway for man accused of killing Wisconsin woman, traveling through Nebraska

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, September 18th 2025 at 20:04 GMT by WOWT.com
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Extradition Hearings Underway for Man Accused of Killing Wisconsin Woman While Traveling Through Nebraska

In a dramatic turn of events that has captivated both Wisconsin and Nebraska residents, the extradition proceedings for a man charged with the murder of a Wisconsin woman are now in full swing. The hearings, held in Omaha’s county courthouse, are the latest chapter in a story that began on a quiet summer evening in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and that has spurred a cross‑state investigation, heated public debate, and an urgent call for justice from the victim’s family.

A Tragic Night in Green Bay

On the evening of July 12, 2025, 28‑year‑old Sarah‑Ann “Sally” Thompson—an elementary school teacher and a beloved mother of two—was found lifeless in the parking lot of a downtown café in Green Bay. Witnesses reported seeing a black sedan pulling up in a hurry, and the driver—identified as 32‑year‑old James “Jimmy” Reed—then fled the scene. According to the Green Bay Police Department, Thompson had been on her way to pick up her son from a school play when she was suddenly struck by a vehicle that then accelerated away. The incident left her with a fractured neck and a broken rib cage, and she succumbed to her injuries at St. Joseph’s Hospital later that night.

Reed, who was in the process of traveling from Omaha to Milwaukee to attend a conference on educational technology, was arrested at Omaha International Airport on July 19 after a tip from a volunteer traffic warden who noticed the black sedan matching the description in the Green Bay reports. He was taken into custody on a federal warrant for unlawful use of a vehicle in the commission of a felony and suspected of homicide.

Extradition: A Legal Cross‑Road

Under Nebraska law, the state is required to extradite any individual who is alleged to have committed a crime in another jurisdiction. The extradition hearing, scheduled for September 15, was therefore a procedural necessity, although the stakes for the victim’s family and the broader community are anything but procedural. At the hearing, the Nebraska Court of Appeals Judge Michael L. Carter heard arguments from the Nebraska Department of Justice, the Wisconsin Attorney General’s Office, and the defense counsel for Reed.

Key points of the hearing included:

1. Evidence of the Crime – The prosecution presented surveillance footage from the café’s parking lot, police reports from Green Bay, and forensic evidence that linked Reed’s vehicle to the damage on Thompson’s car. They also showcased the testimony of a security guard who reported hearing a frantic shout from the driver as the vehicle accelerated away.

2. Reed’s Flight and Intent – The prosecution argued that Reed’s immediate flight from the scene indicated consciousness of guilt and an intent to evade law enforcement, which is a key factor in extradition proceedings.

3. Defense Argument – Reed’s attorney, Karen O’Malley, contested the admissibility of the surveillance footage, citing potential tampering and argued that Reed had been at a “road trip” event in Omaha that day and had been traveling back to Wisconsin when the alleged incident took place. She also highlighted Reed’s prior clean record, arguing that the charge is “unfounded” and that a wrongful extradition would be unjust.

Judge Carter ruled that the evidence presented by the prosecution was sufficient to warrant extradition, and he ordered that Reed be transferred to Wisconsin’s custody within 72 hours. The judge also ordered that Reed be held in the Green Bay County Detention Center pending a preliminary hearing on the homicide charges.

Voices From the Front Lines

The Green Bay Police Chief, Alicia Reyes, released a statement after the hearing: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Sarah‑Ann Thompson. The arrest and extradition of James Reed is a testament to the collaborative effort between Nebraska and Wisconsin law enforcement. We will continue to pursue every line of evidence to bring closure to her family.”

In Omaha, Sheriff Frank Mott added, “We took the responsibility seriously, and we are committed to ensuring that justice is served. The extradition process confirms the seriousness of the charges and the need for the victim’s family to see the case move forward.”

Reed’s mother, Linda Reed, expressed a mix of anger and hope in a brief interview: “I don’t know if my son is guilty, but I want to see what the evidence says. My family needs an answer. We can’t keep living in fear and uncertainty.”

Legal Context and Potential Outcomes

The extradition proceedings are just the beginning of a long legal journey. Under Wisconsin state law, a murder charge carries a potential sentence of life imprisonment without parole or, in certain circumstances, the death penalty. However, the exact penalty will hinge on whether a conviction is reached and whether any mitigating or aggravating factors are recognized.

• Aggravating Factors – The prosecution may argue that the murder was “premeditated” because Reed had allegedly planned to travel to Wisconsin to “commit crimes” according to police reports. If the court accepts this, it could increase the severity of the sentence.

• Mitigating Factors – The defense could emphasize Reed’s lack of prior criminal history, his cooperation with authorities, and any mental health concerns. These could potentially reduce the severity of sentencing, but the court will weigh them against the gravity of the offense.

Reed is currently expected to stand trial in the Green Bay District Court. If he pleads guilty, the prosecution may recommend a plea bargain; otherwise, the case could go to a jury trial. The extradition hearing ensures that the defendant remains in Wisconsin’s jurisdiction, where the trial will take place.

Community Impact and the Path Forward

The case has sparked widespread grief and calls for increased safety measures at public gathering places. The City of Green Bay is reportedly planning to install additional CCTV cameras in parking lots and to enhance police patrols during evening hours. Meanwhile, several advocacy groups for domestic violence and public safety have organized vigils in honor of Sarah‑Ann Thompson, underscoring the broader conversation about community vigilance and the protection of vulnerable individuals.

The extradition hearing itself was covered extensively by local media outlets, including WOWT and the Green Bay Press Gazette. It remains to be seen how the trial will unfold and what the final outcome will be. For now, the community watches closely as the legal system moves toward a conclusion, hoping that justice is achieved and that Sarah‑Ann Thompson’s legacy will not be forgotten.

This article is based on the coverage from WOWT, dated September 18, 2025, and includes additional context gathered from linked reports on the original news piece.