Heather Williams Death – The family of Heather Williams, a Fayetteville woman who was reported missing and later found dead, is speaking out as they grapple with the tragic loss. Police are now investigating her death as a homicide.
Mary Williams, Heather’s sister, shared her family’s devastation with CBS 17, recounting the shock of hearing the news of Heather’s death. She explained that the family has been relying on each other and their faith during this difficult time. “It was awful because you just never would think something like that would happen,” Mary said. Despite the tragedy, she noted that her family is focusing on the positive memories they have of Heather.
Heather’s father expressed gratitude for the 25 years they had with her, a sentiment Mary echoed as they tried to cope with the unimaginable loss. Heather Williams was last seen on the evening of January 4 when she got into a sedan. Police quickly considered her endangered due to her cognitive impairment and limited speech, alongside physical challenges that included limited use of her right arm and leg.
Mary described her sister as always smiling and upbeat, despite having faced numerous hardships in her life. “She’s been through so many trials and tribulations and has overcome so much,” Mary said. It was a stark contrast to the tragic events that unfolded when Heather went missing.
On Friday, police found the sedan, which led investigators to a wooded area near Newark Avenue and State Avenue in Fayetteville. There, they discovered Heather’s body, effectively ending the family’s hopes of her safe return. “We were really just thinking she would come home or was with somebody,” Mary recalled. Instead, the discovery marked a devastating turning point, and police have since classified Heather’s death as a homicide.
The family is now asking the public for help in solving the case, urging anyone with information to come forward. “What happened to Heather is awful, and I wouldn’t want it to happen to anybody else,” Mary said. She expressed horror at the thought of the person responsible still being at large, potentially putting others at risk.
Amidst the sorrow, Mary and the family are focused on keeping Heather’s memory alive. “I hope people remember Heather as somebody who has persevered and always wore a smile, can make people laugh, and didn’t care what anybody thought about her,” she said, emphasizing her sister’s resilience and joy.
Investigators have indicated they have leads in the case, and authorities are continuing to search for answers. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Fayetteville Police Detective E. Alrafai at (910) 723-0327 or Crimestoppers at (910) 483-TIPS (8477). The community is hoping for justice as they mourn Heather’s untimely death and work to understand what led to this heartbreaking event.