In a disturbing case of violence, an Iowa man and woman have been sentenced to long prison terms after kidnapping his ex-girlfriend, slashing her throat, and running her over multiple times in a failed attempt to stop a previous domestic violence case from proceeding.
What Happened in the Case?
The horrifying incident took place on December 2, 2023. Jordan Blake Mangum, 42, and Jessica Ann Marie Wheeler, 36, kidnapped Luna Cox, Mangum’s ex-girlfriend, from her Des Moines home.
They tied her up with duct tape, forced her into a van, and drove her to Mangum’s home before taking her to another location. There, they strangled her, slashed her throat, and repeatedly ran over her with the vehicle.
Despite being severely injured, Cox survived the attack after begging for her life. Mangum eventually dropped her off at a hospital, where she received treatment for her injuries.
The Legal Outcomes
Both Mangum and Wheeler faced serious charges. Mangum pleaded guilty to attempted murder, third-degree kidnapping, assault with a dangerous weapon, and domestic abuse.
Wheeler, who was a co-defendant, pleaded guilty to attempted murder and kidnapping. In an Alford plea, Mangum did not admit guilt but acknowledged there was enough evidence for a conviction.
Mangum was sentenced to up to 45 years in prison, with the possibility of parole after serving 22 years. Wheeler received a 35-year sentence, with parole eligibility after 17 years.
The Motive Behind the Attack
The attack was reportedly aimed at stopping a domestic violence case that had been filed against Mangum after he was arrested for assaulting Cox two weeks earlier. According to Cox, the couple visited her home the day before the kidnapping and tried to persuade her to drop the charges. When she refused, their violence escalated.
Victim’s Statement and Courtroom Reactions
In the courtroom, Cox spoke about the years of abuse she suffered at the hands of Mangum, saying their relationship was not based on love, but rather control disguised as care. Mangum did apologize for his actions, although he struggled to find the right words.
Judge Joseph Seidlin, however, made it clear that Mangum’s actions were unforgivable, pointing out that he had kidnapped, assaulted, and tried to kill the mother of his child.
Wheeler, for her part, blamed Mangum, saying she was threatened by him and that their discussions about the kidnapping were only “jokes” until it became real. The judge was unimpressed by her explanation as well.
Cox’s Recovery and Current Life
Despite everything, Cox survived the horrific ordeal and continues to raise her and Mangum’s 6-year-old son on her own. She is working in retail while pursuing a degree in accounting.
This case highlights the extreme measures taken by two individuals in an attempt to control someone and stop a legal case from going forward. The brutal violence against Cox left a permanent mark on her life, but her strength and determination to survive remain a testament to her resilience.
