A North Carolina resident, Tyrell Siermons, 30, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of a young woman who disappeared earlier this month. The Fayetteville Police Department confirmed the charges against Siermons. The victim, 25-year-old Heather Williams, was last seen on January 4, as captured by a Ring camera, departing her home in a light-colored vehicle.
Williams’ lifeless body was discovered on January 10 in a wooded area near the intersection of Newark Avenue and State Avenue in the city’s northwestern region. The details surrounding the investigation and subsequent arrest remain limited at this time. The Fayetteville Police Department’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Team collaborated with detectives to apprehend Siermons.
The victim’s family has provided some additional information. Williams’ sister, Mary, shared with Raleigh-based NBC affiliate WRAL about a conversation she had with an individual who responded to a number on Williams’ phone log. This number was reportedly in contact with Williams on the night she disappeared.
Mary Williams recounted the individual’s claim of meeting Heather through Facebook, though he was uncertain whether it was through Facebook Dating or Messenger. He also mentioned spending time with her one night, but was unsure if it was the night she vanished.
Mary Williams also shared some insight into her sister’s life prior to her tragic end. Heather Williams had survived a car accident in 2015, which resulted in cognitive impairment, a limited vocabulary, and a noticeable limp. Despite these challenges, Mary Williams said her sister strived to lead a normal life and do things typical of a 25-year-old.
When Heather Williams initially went missing, investigators were aware of her cognitive impairment, which led them to classify her as endangered. Mary Williams also revealed that the individual she had contacted confirmed picking Heather up in his car on the night she disappeared. This revelation left Mary Williams feeling angry and betrayed.
Siermons is currently being held without bond at the Cumberland County Detention Center. The investigation into Heather Williams’ death remains active and ongoing, according to law enforcement officials.