Tyrell Siermons' mugshot; Heather Williams. Photo: Fayetteville Police Department (2)
A North Carolina man has been charged with first-degree murder following the discovery of a missing woman’s body in a wooded area. Heather Williams, 25, of Fayetteville, was reported missing after she was seen on her family’s Ring camera getting into an unfamiliar car, according to the Fayetteville Police Department.
Williams’ family stated they did not recognize the light-colored sedan with a sunroof that picked her up on the night of her disappearance, just before 10 p.m. Police described Williams as endangered due to cognitive impairment and limited speech, a condition stemming from a 2015 car accident, WRAL reported.
Six days later, on Friday, Jan. 10, authorities found Williams’ body in a wooded area. The tragic discovery prompted an intensive investigation that led to the arrest of Tyrell Siermons, 30, of Fayetteville. On Thursday, Jan. 16, the Fayetteville Police Department announced that Siermons had been charged with first-degree murder in connection with Williams’ death and disappearance.
Investigators have not disclosed details about how Williams and Siermons may have known each other or how they came into contact. However, police confirmed they were able to identify Siermons through the vehicle he drove, as reported by Fox News.
Siermons has a lengthy criminal history, according to Cumberland County court records. In addition to the murder charge, he is facing an out-of-state probation violation stemming from Jan. 16, the same day he was charged in connection with Williams’ death.
He is currently being held without bond at the Cumberland County Detention Center. At this time, it remains unclear whether Siermons has retained legal representation to address the charges against him.
Williams’ death has shaken the Fayetteville community, where her cognitive impairment and vulnerability made her disappearance especially concerning. Police have not yet released further information about the case or the circumstances surrounding her death.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities continuing to seek answers in this tragic case. Williams’ family and the Fayetteville community await justice as the legal process unfolds.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Detective E. Alrafai at (910) 723-0327 or Crimestoppers at (910) 483-TIPS (8477). Crimestoppers information can also be submitted electronically, by visiting http://fay-nccrimestoppers.org.
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