A mother of 2 was killed by her cousin after he repeatedly threatened her life for years. The gruesome murder in Rae Town, Kingston, on Sunday ended with the suspect being shot and killed by officers who responded to the scene. He was identified as Rashad, the relative of victim Neisha Williams.
The 43-year-old woman was found with several stab wounds after Rashad attacked her around 3:30 p.m. Williams was pronounced dead at the hospital, leaving behind a husband of nearly five years and her children.
After the stabbing, police intercepted Rashad before he could flee, but he reportedly attacked them, prompting a fatal response from officers. He was shot and later pronounced dead. Residents in the community say Rashad had been threatening Williams and other relatives for years.
Despite his disturbing statements, many, including Williams, brushed them off. “Him ever a say a him ago kill her… but she nah pay it no mind,” said Rocky, her devastated spouse, during an interview with the Jamaica Gleaner. He added that Rashad threatened Williams again on Wednesday, but they laughed it off.
The threat came after Rashad had verbally attacked them on June 6, when they arrived home following a short family getaway with their kids. On Sunday, June 13, he took her life. Rocky, who had stepped out briefly on that day to go to a car wash, now questions whether her fate could have been different had he stayed home.
“I was planning the best birthday for her,” he said, adding that he had made big plans to apparently make up for last year. He said they had a blast celebrating her birthday in 2023, but they did not celebrate her birthday in 2024 because they were upset with each other.
Rashad, believed to be battling depression after a crash years ago, reportedly struggled to cope when financial support ran out. Some residents say he would frequently speak about his troubles, but few could have imagined it would end this way. The Kingston Central Police are continuing their investigation, while INDECOM is also looking into the police’s response.
