Isiah Williams Convicted of 1982 Murder of Daughter, Olisa Williams
A jury in Washtenaw Circuit Court has convicted Isiah Williams, a 78-year-old resident of Chicago, for the murder of his 8-month-old daughter, Olisa Williams, who went missing in 1982. The conviction comes after decades of investigation and legal proceedings surrounding one of Michigan’s most enduring cold cases.
Olisa Williams was last seen alive in the custody of her father during the summer of 1982 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Despite extensive searches, her body was never found following her disappearance on April 29, 1982. This tragic case resurfaced when Ann Arbor police requested a review by the Department of Attorney General in early 2021, ultimately leading to charges against Isiah Williams.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel expressed gratitude for the persistent efforts of law enforcement and prosecutors, stating, Thanks to the unwavering commitment of our law enforcement partners… Olisa’s family can finally see a measure of justice served. The conviction, she hopes, will bring some solace to Olisa’s loved ones who have endured decades of uncertainty and grief.
Decades of Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The case of Olisa Williams has spanned over four decades, involving multiple law enforcement agencies and countless hours of investigative work. Since 1983, the Ann Arbor Police Department has dedicated resources to solving this mystery, with detectives tirelessly pursuing leads and revisiting evidence.
In 2011, Detective Dan Iverson took over the case and spearheaded a renewed investigation that eventually led to the charges against Isiah Williams. Iverson’s diligence and persistence played a pivotal role in advancing the case, demonstrating the importance of continued efforts in unsolved cases.
Tragic Circumstances and Family Dynamics
Olisa Williams was born on August 10, 1981, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Isiah Williams and Denise Frazier-Daniel. Tragically, she never reached her first birthday, as her life was cut short under circumstances that have haunted her family for decades.
Denise Frazier-Daniel, Olisa’s mother, has endured the unimaginable pain of losing her daughter and the anguish of not knowing her fate. Despite the passage of time, she remained steadfast in her pursuit of justice, actively engaging with law enforcement and missing person organizations.
Isiah Williams’ history of domestic violence against Denise Frazier-Daniel adds a grim layer to this already tragic tale. Incidents of domestic abuse, documented in police records from multiple states, underscore the tumultuous relationship between the parents and raise questions about the events leading to Olisa’s disappearance.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Isiah Williams now faces the consequences of his actions as he awaits sentencing scheduled for July 10 in the 22nd Circuit Court of Washtenaw County. The conviction marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for Olisa Williams and her family, offering a semblance of closure after years of uncertainty and grief.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the community watches closely, hoping for a just outcome that reflects the severity of the crime and honors the memory of a young life lost too soon.
Conclusion: Seeking Justice for Olisa Williams
The conviction of Isiah Williams for the murder of his daughter, Olisa Williams, brings a measure of closure to a decades-long saga of pain and uncertainty. Through the dedicated efforts of law enforcement and prosecutors, justice is being served, offering hope for healing to Olisa’s loved ones and the community at large. As the legal process continues, the memory of Olisa Williams serves as a reminder of the enduring pursuit of justice and the resilience of those who seek it.
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