A horrifying case has surfaced in Memphis, Tennessee, where a 38-year-old man is accused of kidnapping a woman and her 1-year-old son, assaulting them, and demanding money for their release.
The man also reportedly forced the woman to harm her child and held them both inside a house against their will.
What Happened in Memphis?
The incident began on Sunday, July 13, 2025, when the woman, aged 24, was at home with her young son. The accused, Antonio Stevison, who was reportedly her sexual partner, broke a window at her house and ordered her to get in the car with the child.
The woman was taken to a location believed to be on George Street in southwest Memphis, where things turned even worse. According to police records, Stevison began beating the woman with his fists, leaving visible injuries.
Another man, known only as “Jet,” was reportedly involved in the situation. He drove them to the location while Stevison followed in her car.
Forced Violence and Abuse Inside the House
Once inside the house, Stevison reportedly continued to abuse the woman. According to court documents, he forced her to take explicit photos and videos, and also made her record a message claiming she was not being held against her will.
In a particularly disturbing part of the report, Stevison is said to have forced the woman to beat her own child with a belt. When she refused to hit him hard, he began hitting her with a broom, as mentioned in the police affidavit.
The abuse didn’t end there. The mother said she begged him several times to let her and the baby go, but Stevison refused. Instead, he kept them locked inside the house overnight, and beat her every time she tried to escape.
Baby Left Alone for Hours
Early the next morning, Stevison forced the woman to leave her baby outside on the porch, where the child was left alone for nearly 3–4 hours, the report says.
In desperation, the woman offered to pay $7,500 to get her and her son out. Stevison agreed. While he held the child, “Jet” drove her to a nearby bank, where she withdrew $6,800 and gave it to him. After getting the money, Stevison finally let them go.
Police Arrest and Charges
On Monday, July 14, the woman approached Memphis Police officers and reported everything that happened. Later that day, Stevison was arrested during a traffic stop.
He denied being with any women over the weekend and claimed his car wasn’t working. However, he also said he had been in the George Street area—matching the location where the woman said she was held.
What Injuries Were Found?
The mother had bruises on her body and an abrasion under her chin. The baby had redness between his thighs and two abrasions on his head. She clearly identified Stevison as the attacker.
Police have also confirmed that Stevison has a long criminal history, including 25 times where he failed to appear in court. He is currently being held on $100,000 bail, with his next court date set for August 13.
It is still not confirmed if “Jet” will face charges or is being actively sought by the police.
