Detroit, MI – In a disturbing and tragic case that has shaken the Detroit community, Alisha Hollamon and her boyfriend Avion Traylor were sentenced to decades in prison for the death of Hollamon’s 7-year-old son, Deshawn Williams. The crime, described by family members as “sick, demonic, ritual-like,” revealed horrific abuse that ultimately led to the young boy’s death.
Shocking Details of a Nightmarish Crime
On the night of October 22, 2023, Detroit police responded to a call of child abuse at a home on the 3700 block of Hurlbut Street. Upon arrival, officers found Deshawn with severe scars and abrasions across his face, back, and chest. He was rushed to the hospital but tragically pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
- Deshawn died from blunt force trauma to the head and a pelvis broken in half.
- Assistant Prosecutor Tina Ripley described the injuries as evidence that Deshawn “lived a nightmare” and appeared to have been dragged across a rough surface.
- Authorities confirmed Traylor inflicted the abuse while Hollamon reportedly did nothing to intervene.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Both Hollamon, 25, and Traylor, 23, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. Hollamon received a sentence of 20 to 40 years in prison, and Traylor was sentenced to 28 to 60 years. Originally charged with felony murder, first-degree child abuse, and torture, the latter two charges were dropped as part of the plea agreement.
“There are just simply no words to describe how absolutely brutalized Deshawn was,” said Assistant Prosecutor Tina Ripley.
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Wayne County Third Circuit Court Judge Paul Cusick called the case one of the worst in his nearly 30-year career, citing videos showing Deshawn “crying for his life.”
Family and Community Responses
Deshawn’s aunt, Krystal Hollamon, expressed deep anger during sentencing, condemning Traylor and describing the murder as a “sick, demonic, ritual-like crime.” She called Traylor “evil” and stated that his mother “gave birth to a demon.”
The heartbreaking details of this case have been covered by Law&Crime.
What Can Be Learned from This Tragic Event?
- Awareness and intervention in child abuse cases remain critical to preventing such tragedies.
- Legal systems are striving to ensure severe penalties for those who harm children.
- Community support and education can help identify signs of abuse early.
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