A shocking case that began more than five years ago in Columbus, Ohio, has now seen a major development. A man accused of murdering a toddler in 2020 was finally caught, after being spotted in disguise nearly 750 miles away in Massachusetts.
The Death of 2-Year-Old Ja’Mir Jones
On March 25, 2020, Columbus police responded to a home after receiving a report that a young child had drowned in a bathtub. Two-year-old Ja’Mir Jones was found unresponsive and rushed to a children’s hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
At first, Dioblis Williams, who was babysitting Ja’Mir that day and also the boyfriend of the boy’s mother, reportedly told officers the child had drowned. However, an autopsy revealed otherwise.
Autopsy Findings Tell a Different Story
Medical examiners ruled the death a homicide caused by blunt force trauma to the abdomen, not drowning. Ja’Mir had visible bruises on his face, torso, and neck, while his lungs showed no signs of water.
Court documents later claimed Williams lost his temper after the child had an accident in his diaper and allegedly beat him, leading to the boy’s tragic death.
Williams on the Run
For more than five years, Williams remained out of reach. But the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) and Ohio authorities never gave up. In late August 2025, they tracked him to Framingham, Massachusetts, nearly 750 miles from where the crime took place.
On August 27, a Framingham police K-9 officer noticed two people walking on the sidewalk. One of them, appearing to wear a wig, caught his attention. Officers quickly realized this person was Williams, the man wanted for murder.
Arrest in Disguise
Video from WSYX showed Williams running from officers, stumbling, and tossing off his wig before surrendering. His disguise included a reddish-blonde wig, large sunglasses, and a hair tie.
“Today’s arrest is a reminder that you can run, but you can’t hide,” said acting U.S. Marshal Kevin Neal. “Mr. Williams thought he could escape accountability by hiding in Massachusetts. This arrest brings us one step closer to justice for a young child whose life ended tragically.”
Family Reaction and Next Steps
For Ja’Mir’s family, the arrest brought a sense of relief after years of waiting. His great-grandmother told reporters, “Hallelujah, thank the Lord. I’ve been praying for this for five years. Since 2020, I knew he did it.”
Williams was transported back to Ohio and formally arraigned on murder charges. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 19.
The long manhunt for Dioblis Williams shows how determined authorities remain when it comes to seeking justice, especially in cases involving children.
Though it took more than five years, his arrest gives hope to Ja’Mir’s family that accountability may finally be served. This tragic story is also a reminder that no disguise can hide someone forever from the law.
