A 41-year-old man from Alabama, Aaron Dontay Williams, has been arrested in Tennessee for the alleged murder of his wife and stepdaughter, as well as the kidnapping of his 3-year-old son. The authorities had issued an Amber Alert for the missing child, but it was called off after Williams’ arrest and the safe recovery of the boy.
The Tragic Discovery
On Thursday, July 10, 2025, at approximately 2:30 p.m., Auburn police responded to a welfare check request at a residence located on Samantha Court.
Upon arriving, officers discovered the bodies of 34-year-old Tyeisha Williams and her 13-year-old daughter, Zynniya Wright. The young boy, aged 3, was missing from the home, prompting immediate concerns for his safety.
The victims were identified by the Lee County Coroner’s Office, and autopsies were planned to determine the cause of their deaths. As the investigation unfolded, Aaron Williams, the husband of Tyeisha and father of the missing child, was quickly named as a suspect.
The Search and Amber Alert
Authorities soon realized that Williams had fled the scene, and the young boy was believed to be with him. The police issued an Amber Alert for the child, who was reportedly traveling in a gray Honda Accord. The authorities feared for the boy’s safety, believing he was in “imminent danger.”
To encourage tips that could lead to his arrest, the authorities offered a reward of $15,000 for any information. The situation quickly escalated into a manhunt involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
The Arrest
On the morning of July 11, 2025, around 7:15 a.m., the U.S. Marshals Service, with assistance from the FBI and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, located Aaron Williams in Tennessee and arrested him.
While the exact location of the arrest was not disclosed, authorities confirmed that Williams is now being held in Giles County, Tennessee, without bond. He is awaiting extradition back to Alabama, where he faces charges related to the murders and kidnapping.
The specific charges against Williams have not yet been made public, and a motive for the killings remains unclear.
Family Concerns and Prior Warnings
In a heartbreaking revelation, Zynniya’s father spoke out, telling NBC affiliate WFSA that he had previously requested a judge to remove his daughter from the home due to concerns about Aaron Williams’ behavior.
He stated that he feared it was only a matter of time before something tragic happened. His words, unfortunately, became all too real when the killings took place.
Law Enforcement’s Efforts
Authorities have praised the coordinated efforts of several law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, U.S. Marshals, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and local Alabama law enforcement, in locating and apprehending Williams.
These agencies worked together to bring the case to a resolution and ensure the safety of the missing child.
This tragic case serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing domestic violence and the impact it can have on families, especially children.
