A 30-year-old man, Tyrell Siermons, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder following the death of Heather Williams, a 25-year-old woman who went missing earlier this month, according to the Fayetteville Police Department.
Heather Williams was last seen on January 4, captured on a Ring camera leaving her home in a light-colored car... Continue reading here ▶
Tragically, her body was discovered six days later on January 10 in a wooded area near Newark Avenue and State Avenue in northwest Fayetteville.
On Thursday, police arrested Siermons and charged him in connection with her death.
Few details about the case or investigation have been released, but authorities noted that their Violent Criminal Apprehension Team played a role in making the arrest.
Family Speaks Out About the Case
While police have shared limited information, Heather Williams’ family has spoken to the media, shedding light on her final days.
Mary Williams, Heather’s sister, told NBC affiliate WRAL about a phone call she made to a number on Heather’s phone log from the night she disappeared.
The man who answered reportedly told Mary he had met Heather through Facebook, possibly via Facebook Dating or Messenger.
He claimed he had spent time with her one evening but couldn’t recall if it was Saturday night. Later, he admitted to picking Heather up in his car that night.
“It makes me so angry,” Mary Williams said. “You’d like to think people wouldn’t do something like this.”
Heather’s Life and Challenges
Heather Williams had faced significant challenges in her life. In 2015, she survived a serious car accident that left her with cognitive impairments, a limited vocabulary, and a noticeable limp. Despite these difficulties, her sister described her as someone who worked hard to lead a normal life.
“She tried to do all the things 25-year-olds do,” Mary said, expressing her heartbreak over her sister’s tragic end.
Due to Heather’s cognitive impairment, police had classified her as an endangered person when she was first reported missing.
Ongoing Investigation
Tyrell Siermons is currently being held without bond at the Cumberland County Detention Center. Authorities have stated that the investigation remains active and ongoing.
The family and community continue to seek answers, as they mourn the loss of a young woman whose life was cut short.
