Elderly Army veteran dragged ¼ mile (died from injuries) during a carjacking in Southern California. (From Watkin's Report)

"A 79-year-old Army veteran was brutally murdered on Monday [12 May 25] during a carjacking in Southern California.

"James Norman was at a gas station in Norco, California, cleaning his Chevy Trailblazer with the engine running when 29-year-old Ryan Hewitt jumped in the driver’s seat and drove off.

"Norman was hanging out the back door and was dragged and then thrown from the vehicle. His family said he was just too frail to get out in time.

"Hewitt was charged with felony carjacking and second-degree murder. He is being held on $1 million bail.

"The victim’s family set up a GoFundMe* to help pay for funeral expenses and medical bills.

*https://www.gofundme.com/f/james-jim-norman-fund-tragic-carjacking-in-norco

James Norman is survived by his beloved wife, two daughters, two sons-in-law, and one grandson.

“Jim lived a modest, basic life, but also an adventurous life. He started off in the Army and worked across several fields including construction and vehicle transport, and at one point, even took to the skies as a pilot. His passion for travel for work and exploration led him to many corners of the united states, and his stories often captivated those around him. Whether building something with his hands or sharing tales from the road, Jim brought energy and authenticity to everything he did,” the family said." …

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/05/horror-79-year-old-army-veteran-dragged-killed/

"The 79-year-old ended up being dragged and died during the thief’s getaway.

"“He was holding on for dear life because the door was slammed on him as he was halfway hanging out,” Nicole Lauritsen, Norman’s daughter, said. “He was dragged for like a quarter of a mile or so.”

"A sheriff’s deputy said Norman’s daughter was contacted and she told them she had an AirTag placed in her dad’s Chevy Trailblazer.

"Officers were then able to track and find the vehicle at an apartment complex and arrest Hewitt…."

https://www.kltv.com/2025/05/17/army-veteran-79-killed-carjacking-while-way-meet-family-dinner/

"Hewitt was later arrested and booked into the Robert Presley Jail on suspicion of murder, carjacking, reckless driving and illegal possession of a firearm.

"He's held on $1 million bail."

https://abc7.com/post/riverside-county-carjacking-ryan-hewitt-corona-charged-murder-violent-norco-gas-station/16415217/

Legal/immigration status of suspect was not disclosed, nor what lead police to suspect from the located, stolen vehicle.