Heather Williams: Fayetteville Man Arrested in Connection with Death of Woman with Cognitive Impairment



The Fayetteville Police Department has confirmed the arrest of Tyrell Jaquez Siermons, 30, as reported by Fox News

His arrest is in connection with the death of Heather Williams, a 25-year-old woman with a cognitive impairment. 

Heather Williams was reported missing on January 4, 2,025 by family members. 

She was last seen entering a light-colored sedan near Berkshire Road. 

Her body was tragically discovered on January 10, 2025, in a wooded area near Newark Avenue and State Avenue. 

Criminal investigators are currently piecing together the events leading to her death.


Heather Williams


Heather Williams was a  Fayetteville woman who worked tirelessly to lead a normal life despite significant challenges. 

In 2015, she survived a life-altering car accident that left her with cognitive impairments, a limited vocabulary, and a noticeable limp. 

Heather Williams’ family reported her missing after surveillance footage captured her leaving home on January 4, 2025.

According to police reports, she entered a sedan driven by an unidentified individual. 

Days later, detectives with the Fayetteville Police Department found her body in a secluded area, marking the grim conclusion to the search. 

Criminal investigations led detectives to Siermons, who had a lengthy criminal history, including charges of attempted first-degree murder, robbery, and kidnapping.

Court records reveal that Siermons was already on probation for an out-of-state charge at the time of Heather's disappearance. 

His criminal history spans over a decade, raising questions about how a man with such a record remained free. 

Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine if Siermons and Williams had any prior interactions beyond their alleged social media connection.

Tyrell Jaquez Siermons

Family Speaks Out: Seeking Justice for Heather

Mary Williams, Heather’s sister, told WRAL, “It just makes me angry. You’d like to think people wouldn’t do something like this.” 

She shared that Heather’s cognitive impairment made her particularly vulnerable.

Mary Williams revealed that Heather had met Siermons online, possibly through Facebook, as reported by Law&Crime. 

After her sister’s disappearance, Mary said that she contacted a man listed in Heather’s phone log, who reportedly turned out to be Siermons. 

According to her, the man admitted to meeting her through Facebook but provided inconsistent details about their interaction. 

 “He said he hung out with her one night but wasn’t sure if it was Saturday night,” she said.

This information ultimately helped authorities link the suspect to the crime.

Here is her interview with News Nation describing the incident.


Siermons appeared in court on January 17 and was denied bond. 


Heather’s family, supported by the community, remains determined to see justice served. 

"This is just the first step. It’ll be a long journey, but we’re committed," Mary said
Source

The Fayetteville Police Department continues to urge anyone with information to contact Detective E. Alrafai at (910) 723-0327 or Crimestoppers at (910) 483-TIPS (8477).

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