by FRAMINGHAM, Massachusetts — After evading authorities for more than five years, an Ohio man accused of killing a toddler in 2020 has finally been captured in Massachusetts, bringing a long-awaited development in a case that has haunted a grieving family.
The Framingham Police Department (FPD) confirmed the arrest of 25-year-old Dioblis Williams on Wednesday, August 27. Williams was wanted on a warrant for murder in the death of 2-year-old Jamir Jones, who was found unconscious in a bathtub in Columbus, Ohio, five years ago.
Fugitive Spotted in Disguise
Authorities said Williams attempted to disguise himself by wearing a wig as he walked in downtown Framingham around 8:30 a.m. that morning. Officer Andrew Lewis, who was scheduled to attend a briefing with the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) and the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section (VFAS), noticed two individuals on the sidewalk — one of whom looked suspicious because of the wig.
Police quickly determined the man was Williams. When officers tried to stop him, Williams attempted to run across the street but stumbled, dropping his wig before surrendering.
“This person was in our community and wanted for a pretty horrific crime,” said Deputy Chief Sean Riley of the Framingham Police.
Williams was taken into custody without further incident.
Arrest and Charges
Williams was booked at the FPD and charged under a Massachusetts Straight Warrant for Fugitive from Justice and an Ohio Warrant for Murder.
He is expected to be arraigned in Massachusetts, where extradition proceedings will determine when he will return to Ohio to face trial. Investigators said they believe his Instagram activity helped authorities track his whereabouts to the Boston suburbs.
The 2020 Toddler Death in Columbus
The case dates back to 2020, when Columbus police responded to a 911 call about a possible drowning. At the time, Williams was babysitting his girlfriend’s 2-year-old son, Jamir Jones.
Initially, the situation appeared to be accidental. Williams claimed the child drowned after being left unsupervised in the bathtub. Jamir was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead soon after arrival.
However, an autopsy revealed alarming details that changed the course of the investigation. According to court records, the boy suffered blunt force trauma to the abdomen and had bruises on his stomach, head, and neck. These findings suggested deliberate harm rather than an accidental drowning.
Following the results, prosecutors charged Williams with murder. But before the case went to trial, he fled Ohio, sparking a manhunt that stretched across several years and multiple states.
“You Can Run, But You Can’t Hide”
For Jamir’s family, the five-year wait has been filled with pain and uncertainty. The U.S. Marshals Service, which specializes in locating fugitives, made Williams a priority target.
On Wednesday, their work finally paid off. Acting U.S. Marshal Kevin Neal said in a statement:
“Today’s arrest is a reminder that you can run, but you can’t hide. Mr. Williams thought that he could evade arrest and accountability by hiding in Massachusetts. I hope that today’s arrest brings us one step closer to justice for a young child whose life ended tragically.”
The U.S. Marshals Service said Williams’ arrest highlights how fugitives often underestimate the persistence of law enforcement agencies, especially when it comes to violent crimes against children.
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Next Steps in the Case
Williams will remain in Massachusetts custody while extradition proceedings play out. Once back in Ohio, he will face trial for murder. Prosecutors are expected to rely heavily on the autopsy findings and witness testimony to prove their case.
If convicted, Williams could face decades in prison. Legal experts note that the severity of the charges and the evidence presented during trial will determine whether he faces a life sentence.
Community Reactions
The news of Williams’ arrest has stirred emotions in both Massachusetts and Ohio. Residents in Framingham expressed relief that a wanted fugitive accused of such a violent crime was taken off the streets. In Columbus, where Jamir’s family still lives, the capture has been described as “a step toward long-overdue justice.”
What are your thoughts on fugitives being caught years later — is it justice delayed or justice finally served? Share your opinions in the comments at ibwhsmag.com.
