Noah David Sisung, an 18-year-old male from Lansing, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on October 22, 2021. Born on July 17, 2003, in Lansing, he worked with his father at Sisung Construction. His life was cut short by gun violence, a loss that his family feels will be missed beyond words.
The incident that led to Noah's death involved two other teenagers, a 13-year-old and a 16-year-old. Ingham County Prosecutor Carol Siemon chose to charge the two suspects as juveniles in his murder.
Both teenagers ultimately pleaded guilty to lesser charges. The charges were assault with intent to commit armed robbery, and the younger of the two also pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter. This legal course of action meant that the individuals responsible for Noah's death avoided the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence, instead facing court-ordered treatment and supervision, potentially only until they reach the age of 21.
Noah's mother, Trina Coolman, expressed her profound disagreement and heartbreak over the handling of the case. She voiced concerns that the juvenile sentencing offered 'zero accountability' for the murder of her son. She and her family had sought what was available under current Michigan law, not out of a desire for revenge, but for a sense of justice and accountability. The decision to not pursue a blended sentence, which could have involved adult penalties, was a point of contention for the family. In the wake of their loss, the family feels let down by a justice system they believe failed to deliver a punishment that fits the gravity of the crime. Noah is survived by his mother, Trina Coolman; his father, David J. Sisung; and other family members who remember him as someone who lived life on his own terms.
