Former Naval Petty Officer 1st Class Brianna Williams pled guilty to killing her five-year-old daughter in Jacksonville, Fla., back in November 2019. She signed a plea deal on Feb. 17.
Williams had reported the little girl, Taylor Williams, missing on Nov. 6, 2019. According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Williams told the police she had woken up to find her daughter gone and the back door unlocked.
Taylor was found deceased one week later in rural Alabama. She was found inside a garbage bag buried in the woods near Williams’ hometown in Marengo County.
A hearing on March 3 revealed Taylor’s remaining bones indicated potential child abuse, trauma and malnourishment.
Prosecutors believe Williams caged and tortured her daughter in the apartment after removing her from childcare facilities and often leaving her alone at home. Fecal matter, blood satins and maggots were also found inside the apartment.
District Attorney Lauren Anderson noted Williams’ apartment showed obvious signs of neglect.
“The apartment of Brianna Williams was thoroughly searched, photographed and evidence was collected,” she said. “Obvious signs of neglect and abuse were observed including soiled children’s clothing, soiled carpeting, blood and along with partially empty soup and fruit cans that had a tiny hole cut in them.”
According to prosecutors, Williams searched her computer to find information on malnourishment. They also believe that she killed Taylor sometime between April of 2019 and November of 2019 when she reported her missing.
“A download of Brianna Williams computer was conducted where searches were discovered for malnutrition and refeeding syndrome,” said the Assistant State Attorney.
Williams had been a Navy Petty Officer First Class at the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville. She could receive a sentence of 20 years up to life in prison for pleading guilty to second-degree murder. Her sentencing is scheduled for May. 11.
