The 5-year-old Georgia girl who was missing is now dead. An acquaintance of her mother is being held in Alabama without bail on a capital murder case.
Kamarie Holland, a woman who lived in Columbus, Georgia, went missing Monday. Police found her remains the next night at Phenix City, Alabama.
Russell County Sheriff Heath Taylor stated Tuesday that he believes the motive was a sexual encounter. He also said that the suspect was being watched in at least three other cases involving child victims.
SHERIFF SAYS: SUSPECT IN MURDER OF A 5-YEAR-OLD GIRL INVOLVED in PREVIOUS CHILD Abuse CASES Investigators have identified the suspect killer as Jeremy Tremaine Williams. Williams has a history of child abuse allegations in multiple state. He was located 9 miles away from the girl’s home at the Bamboo Motel in Phenix City.
He was standing in front of an Alabama judge by Tuesday afternoon.
According to the Columbus-based WRBL, a public defender assigned for the case requested and received a gag Order from Judge David Johnson during the court appearance.
Officials at Russell County Jail said that Williams was being held without bond now.
Taylor stated that deputies discovered Kamarie asphyxiated in an abandoned house where Williams lived once in Phenix.
He said, “It did seem from the scene that there had been some sexual abuse.”
An official autopsy was still pending. The sheriff stated that investigators were hoping to recover DNA evidence.
Arthur Sumbry, Russell County Coroner, stated Tuesday evening that he expects to have forensic results available by the weekend.
Kamarie’s mother said that she woke up Monday morning at 5:50 AM to find her front door open. Taylor stated that her daughter was missing. The Columbus Police Department in Georgia reported Kamarie missing. Officers there located Williams, who was known to have ties across the state.
The sheriff stated, “This began in Columbus and ended in Phenix city.”
Alabama prosecutors have charged Williams with capital murder. Taylor indicated that other charges could be brought against Taylor.
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Williams’ uncle was also present in the hotel at the time deputies made the arrest. However, investigators don’t believe that he was involved, according to the sheriff.
According to the sheriff, the murder suspect was acquitted in Alabama of child abuse charges. Separate charges in Georgia were not immediately known. According to state records, a man of the same name is facing charges for battery and cruelty to children in connection with an August 2021 incident.
Taylor stated that he had information about him as a suspect in an Alaska 1-year-old murder. He was a suspect, but he wasn’t charged because investigators couldn’t find enough evidence.
He is not registered as a sex offender. The investigation is ongoing.
Taylor stated, “It’s a sad moment to have to talk about a 5-year old.” “We are having to deal with a case about a child who did absolutely nothing wrong.”
According to Rick Chancey, Russell County Chief Assistant District Attorney, Williams could be sentenced to a minimum of one year in prison without parole if convicted. The death penalty would be the maximum sentence.
