Sierah Joughin, affectionately known as "Ce," was born on February 11, 1996, in Sylvania, Ohio. A graduate of Evergreen High School in 2014, she was preparing to return to the University of Toledo for her junior year in the College of Business.
Sierah’s Legacy
Tragically, Sierah became the victim of a heinous crime on July 19, 2016, when she was abducted while riding her bicycle. Her kidnapper was a repeat, violent offender living in her community, just miles away from Evergreen Schools. This was not his first offense; he had previously been arrested in 1990 for the abduction of another female cyclist in a rural area, receiving a plea deal resulting in a mere three years served out of a ten-year sentence.
Sierah’s kidnapping and subsequent murder deeply affected her family, friends, and the entire community. While her untimely passing and the violent act do not define her life, she was deprived of the opportunity to fulfill her earthly dreams due to preventable violence and a system that failed to ensure her safety. Her aspirations for the future took a different path.
It is the dream of her family and those who support her legacy that Sierah be remembered not for how she died, but for what has come about as a result of her life. Today, Sierah’s legacy is strong, keeping kids safe across the state of Ohio through Sierah’s Law, and in schools and communities across the country through the Sierah Strong program.
This transformation truly takes a village, and they are profoundly grateful for all of the support Justice for Sierah has received from elected officials, community leaders, donors, volunteers, and supporters. Together, they work tirelessly to make a lasting impact and prevent others from experiencing the same tragedy that befell Sierah.
