A person of interest in the killing of Lovay Williams, a 27-year-old mother who was found beaten to death in her apartment in front of her 7-year-old daughter, surrendered to police on Saturday. Williams' attorney, Neville Dexter, confirmed that Tiliek Shamel Thompson, 41, turned himself in to the 33rd Precinct.
Police discovered Williams' body on September 6 after responding to a wellness check at her home on West 156th Street near Amsterdam Avenue in Washington Heights. Her young daughter, De’lani, was found unharmed at the scene.
"He's at the precinct right now," Dexter told The Post, adding that social media had been circulating claims about his client's involvement. "Everybody should reserve judgement. We don't know what happened."
Thompson has been identified as a "person of interest" by police, according to a police source. His attorney did not state how Thompson would plead.
Williams' brother, Nuquan Williams, who works as a state corrections officer, expressed his anguish. "Man up to the things you did!" he said. "It was horrific. You don't deserve to walk the streets and enjoy life when you took a life."
He described his niece, De'lani, as a "loving spirit" who is attending school and "holding up strong." He added that the 7-year-old is "not emotionally intelligent enough to process what's actually going on yet, being that she's so young." The family has been providing toys and support for the child.
Asia Walker, identified as the victim's "God sister," spoke of her shock, noting that the victim and Thompson had been together "for a while." "It's confusing to me because we knew this man for too long," Walker said. "I don't even know what caused this. I can't remember (her) saying they even argued before."
A memorial, featuring balloons, flowers, and candles, has been established outside the apartment building where Williams was found. The family has also created a GoFundMe page to raise funds for De'lani.
