AITA for kicking my brother and his family out after his son stole my engagement ring?

Picture this: I’m 26M, living my life, when my brother’s family crashes in—jobless, broke, and with a 9-year-old nephew who can’t keep his hands to himself. Caught him red-handed on a spy cam, rifling through my room, nabbing my $4k engagement ring—the one I spent a year saving for.

He’s a known pilferer—stores, school, you name it—but my brother just shrugs it off. I gave them a week: find the ring or pay me back, or get out. They didn’t, so they’re motel-bound now, begging to return. Am I the asshole for standing firm?

This isn’t just about a ring—it’s a trust implosion. My nephew’s sticky fingers aren’t new; my brother’s “yelling” fixes zilch. Dr. Barbara Coloroso, a parenting expert, says, “Kids learn boundaries when parents enforce them” (from Kids Are Worth It!). Here? No enforcement, just excuses. That $4k ring—my future—wasn’t a trinket; it was a year of grit. Caught on cam, he lied, just like with my watch. My ultimatum wasn’t spite; it was a shield.

The bigger mess? My brother’s woes—40% of families hit job loss (BLS, 2023)—don’t justify theft. I bent for family, but this snapped me back. They’re bleeding savings at a motel, and I’m the “heartless” one? Nah—consequences hit hard. Could’ve gone softer, maybe, but trust’s gone. Next? They get help for him; I lock my doors. Readers, am I too harsh, or is this fair play?

Reddit’s loud and clear: I’m not the asshole. They’re livid—nephew’s a thief, parents are slackers, and that ring’s no small loss. Many suspect they pawned it (unproven), urging cops and small claims. They back my boot—brother knew the risk, did nothing, and now cries foul. Sympathy’s thin; I’m in the right.

So, AITA? My nephew swiped my dream, my brother dodged, and I kicked them curbside. Maybe I could’ve searched more, but a year’s work vanished—anger trumped pity. They’re sorry now, but where’s my ring? If your kin stole your milestone, would you forgive or evict? Sound off—let’s dig into this!