In a major breakthrough, Charles County Sheriff’s detectives and forensic science investigators have successfully identified a woman found murdered nearly a quarter of a century ago. For 25 years, the victim was known only as Jane Doe, but she has now been identified as LaQuanda Denise “Niecey” Williams, who was 31 years old at the time of her discovery.
Sheriff Troy D. Berry highlighted the determination and commitment of the investigators involved in the case. “Learning the identity of Jane Doe after 25 years is a testament to the relentless dedication of our investigators. Today, we take a significant step forward in bringing answers to light and ensuring that she is no longer Jane Doe, but a person with a name and a story,” Sheriff Berry stated.
The case traces back to 1998 when an unidentified woman was found deceased in a field near Irving Road and Route 301 in Bel Alton. Initial investigations estimated her age between 25 to 35 years old, with a height ranging from 5’4” to 5’7” and weighing approximately 115 to 135 pounds. Despite extensive efforts, traditional identification methods, including facial reconstruction and fingerprint analysis, failed to reveal her identity.
In collaboration with Dr. Erin Kimmerle, an anthropologist from the University of South Florida, the investigative team conducted an isotopic analysis which suggested the victim was likely from the northeast region of the United States, possibly local to Maryland or nearby areas. Further DNA analysis developed a mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) profile for comparison, yet no matches were found until a pivotal moment in the investigation.
On June 18, 2023, the 25th anniversary of the discovery, NBC News 4 Washington aired a story on the cold case, leading to a crucial tip from a viewer who believed the victim might be their relative. This tip provided the investigative team with a new direction, and subsequent DNA analysis confirmed the familial connection through a sibling of Williams.
On October 25, 2023, officials met with Williams’ family to confirm her identity, marking a significant step in the investigation into her homicide. Williams’ last known residence was in S.E. Washington, D.C. The Charles County Sheriff’s Office is now focusing on identifying the person responsible for Williams’ murder.
Sheriff Berry expressed his commitment to justice, stating, “This is yet another example of the dedication of our Forensic Science Section and detectives assigned to our Homicide Unit and Cold Case Unit. In the pursuit of justice, they follow up with every case. They never give up. They never stop trying to bring justice to victims and their families.”
The Charles County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information related to LaQuanda Williams’ homicide to come forward and contact Detective Shankster at 301-932-3037 or via email at shanksterc@ccso.us. Information can also be submitted through Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS, online at www.charlescountycrimesolvers.com, or via the P3Intel mobile app. Cash rewards are available for tips leading to the arrest of suspects involved in the case.
