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5d ago

California Man Charged in Fatal Carjacking of Army Veteran Dragged to Death

Ryan Hewitt, 29, faces murder and carjacking charges after allegedly dragging 79-year-old James Norman to his death during a vehicle theft in Norco, California.

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An undated image of James Norman, of Corona. He was killed in a carjacking gone wrong in Norco on Monday, May 12, 2025.
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Overview

  • James Norman, a 79-year-old Army veteran, was fatally injured on May 12, 2025, after being dragged up to half a mile by his stolen SUV in Norco, California.
  • Norman was vacuuming his Chevrolet Trailblazer at a gas station when Ryan Hewitt allegedly jumped into the driver’s seat and sped off, trapping Norman in the back seat.
  • Hewitt, 29, was arrested the following day and has been charged with murder and carjacking; authorities believe no additional suspects are involved.
  • Norman’s family used an AirTag placed in his vehicle to help police locate the abandoned SUV and assist in the investigation.
  • The victim’s family, mourning the loss of a beloved grandfather and community member, has set up a GoFundMe to cover funeral expenses and seek justice for his death.