Rhode Island Man Sentenced to 45 Years for Kidnapping and Assaulting 80-Year-Old Woman After Following Her from Wendy’s

Coventry, RI – In a chilling case described by authorities as “stuff nightmares are made from,” a 54-year-old Rhode Island man has been sentenced to 45 years in prison for the brutal kidnapping and assault of an 80-year-old woman. The victim was targeted after the suspect followed her home from a Wendy’s restaurant, exploiting her solitary living situation.

The appalling crime, which occurred in Coventry, a suburb of Providence, has sent shockwaves through the community and serves as a grim reminder of the dangers vulnerable individuals can face.

The Shocking Crime and Capture

According to court records and reports from local authorities, Steven Henning pleaded guilty in June to multiple charges including robbery, breaking and entering, kidnapping, and assault with a dangerous weapon.

Prosecutors revealed that Henning deliberately targeted the elderly woman, knowing she lived alone, and followed her from a Wendy’s located roughly 30 miles north in Smithfield.

On August 18, 2024, shortly after 8:15 a.m., police received a call about a possible abduction. Henning forced his way into the victim’s home, abducted her, and drove her to a wooded area in Smithfield.

There, he strangled her with a belt. Remarkably, the woman played dead to survive and later escaped to seek help from a nearby home.

When authorities attempted to apprehend Henning, he led them on a high-speed chase before being taken into custody. The police credited the victim’s courage and quick thinking for bringing Henning to justice.

Motive Behind the Horrific Act

At the sentencing hearing, prosecutors disclosed Henning’s chilling motive. He admitted his intention was to obtain a car that would not be reported stolen to facilitate his escape to Ohio. Henning stated that killing someone “who would not be missed” was his misguided solution. Once in Ohio, he reportedly planned to kill his estranged girlfriend.

Henning’s extensive criminal history includes approximately two dozen prior arrests in Rhode Island, underscoring the danger he posed to the community.

“It’s the Steven Hennings of the world about which we warn our children don’t talk to strangers,” a prosecutor said. “And the Steven Hennings of the world are what the elderly think about when they stay at home in solitude instead of venturing out.”

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Community Impact and Victim’s Resilience

The victim’s strength has been widely praised for her bravery in the face of unimaginable terror. Police officials commented:

“What she went through is the stuff nightmares are made from. And yet, she is probably the strongest and bravest person our detectives have ever met. May she breathe a little easier knowing this offender will spend the next 45 years behind bars.”

• Steven Henning, age 54, targeted an elderly woman who lived alone.
• Crime occurred on August 18, 2024, in Coventry, Rhode Island.
• Henning pleaded guilty to kidnapping, assault with a dangerous weapon, robbery, and breaking & entering.
• He attempted to escape but was captured after a high-speed chase.
• The victim’s quick thinking saved her life and helped bring the perpetrator to justice.
• Henning has a history of approximately 24 arrests in Rhode Island.
• Henning was sentenced to 45 years imprisonment.

For more details about this case, visit the original report on Law & Crime.

Looking Ahead: What This Case Means?

This case underscores the vital importance of community awareness and vigilance, especially for the elderly population living alone. It raises critical questions about safety measures and support systems for vulnerable individuals.

Law enforcement agencies urge families and communities to stay connected and support the elderly to prevent similar tragic crimes. The sentencing also serves as a stern warning to offenders and emphasizes the justice system’s commitment to protecting vulnerable citizens.

What do you think about this case? Have you ever been concerned about safety for elderly family members or neighbors? Share your thoughts in the comments below!