Coventry, RI – A Rhode Island man has been sentenced to 45 years in prison for kidnapping an 80-year-old woman, following her from a local restaurant and attacking her in her home, prosecutors said. The woman survived after playing dead, helping authorities bring the suspect to justice.
Incident Overview
Steven Henning, 54, pleaded guilty in June to multiple charges, including robbery, breaking and entering a dwelling of a person 60 or older, kidnapping, and assault with a dangerous weapon.
Authorities say Henning specifically targeted the victim because she lived alone and he believed she “would not be missed.”
Timeline of Events
On Aug. 18, 2024, around 8:15 a.m., the Smithfield Police Department received a call about a possible abduction. Detectives quickly identified Henning as the suspect. When officers attempted to arrest him, Henning led them on a high-speed chase before being taken into custody.
Prosecutors said Henning followed the victim home from a local Wendy’s, entered her house, and forced her into the trunk of his car. He drove her to a wooded area in Smithfield, where he strangled her with a belt. The woman survived by playing dead and later ran to safety at a nearby home.
Motive Explained
During sentencing, prosecutors revealed Henning’s motive:
“He needed to get to Ohio in a car that would not be reported stolen, and the way to do that, in his words, was to kill someone who would not be missed.”
Authorities added that Henning also planned to kill his estranged girlfriend once he reached Ohio. Court records indicate that Henning has been arrested more than two dozen times in Rhode Island prior to this case.
Victim’s Courage
Law enforcement credited the victim for her strength and quick thinking, which ultimately led to Henning’s arrest and life sentence.
“What she went through is the stuff nightmares are made from,” police said. “And yet, she is probably the strongest and bravest person our detectives have ever met.”
The prosecutor emphasized the broader warning:
“It’s the Steven Hennings of the world about which we warn our children don’t talk to strangers. And the Steven Hennings of the world are what the elderly think about when they stay at home in solitude instead of venturing out.”
Legal Outcome
Henning was sentenced to 45 years behind bars for his crimes. Court records show that his convictions cover kidnapping, assault with a dangerous weapon, robbery, and breaking and entering, reflecting the severity of the attack and his long criminal history.
Community Impact
Officials encouraged residents, especially seniors living alone, to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by repeat offenders and the importance of personal safety measures.
Thanks to the victim’s bravery and police work, Henning will likely spend the rest of his life in prison, preventing further harm to the community.
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