North Carolina Man Charged in Fayetteville Woman’s Murder Has Significant Criminal History
North Carolina authorities on Thursday arrested a man in connection with the disappearance and murder of 25-year-old Fayetteville woman Heather Williams.
Williams was reported missing on Jan. 4, when she was last seen getting into a light-colored, four-door sedan just before 10 p.m. in the area of Berkshire Road, according to the Fayetteville Police Department (FPD).
Details of the Case Unfold
The FPD Homicide Unit, with assistance from the department’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Team, arrested 30-year-old Tyrell Jaquez Siermons of Fayetteville, North Carolina, and charged him with first-degree murder related to Williams’ death. This tragic unfolding of events gripped the Fayetteville community, evoking a collective sorrow and disbelief.
Authorities discovered Williams deceased in a wooded area near Newark Ave. and State Ave. on Jan. 10, just six days after her family reported her missing. The somber atmosphere surrounding the scene reflects the profound impact this loss has had on those who knew her.
A Troubling Past
Siermons comes from a background riddled with legal troubles. His lengthy criminal history in Cumberland County is disturbing, showcasing a pattern of violence and disregard for responsibility. Court records reveal prior convictions for attempted first-degree murder and kidnapping, among other charges. On Jan. 16, the same day he faced murder charges, he was also under probation for a crime committed in another state.
With allegations dating back to 2011, Siermons’ record includes attempted kidnapping, robbery with a deadly weapon, and felony firearm possession. These details paint a grim portrait of a man entwined with criminal activity, which may have manifested further dangers to vulnerable individuals.
Unraveling the Connection
While the FPD refrained from speculating about the nature of the relationship between Siermons and Williams, they acknowledged that the vehicle Williams entered on her last night was a significant lead in tracing Siermons. Investigators have emphasized the importance of community cooperation as they piece together the events leading up to this devastating tragedy.
Adding to the complexity of this case is the fact that Williams had a cognitive impairment stemming from a serious accident in 2015. This detail, reported by local news source WRAL, brings a layer of vulnerability to Williams’ story, deepening the tragedy of her loss.
Her sister, Mary Williams, shared that she reached out to a man on Heather’s phone log shortly after her sister went missing. This man claimed to have met Heather online but couldn’t confirm many details. However, Mary recollects that the vehicle he described matched the one linked to Siermons, indicating a possible connection that has left the family feeling unsettled.
Siermons currently languishes in the Cumberland County Detention Center, held without bond, while the community awaits further developments. His presence looms, a reminder of the dangers that can arise unexpectedly in everyday lives—the very lives that neighbors at local businesses like the trendy community café, the Coffee Scene, cherish daily.
Fayetteville police are appealing to the public for any information that could shed light on the circumstances surrounding Williams’ murder. Those with insights can contact Detective E. Alrafai at (910) 723-0327 or share tips anonymously with Crimestoppers at (910) 483-TIPS (8477). The call for accountability resonates deeply, echoing in the hearts of many as this case continues to unfold.
