The Manhattan neighborhood of Kips Bay is grappling with the murder of 31-year-old Yazmeen Williams. The discovery of her decomposed body, wrapped in a sleeping bag and dumped outside an apartment building, initially had investigators perplexed. Now, the recent arrest of a potential suspect has sparked a wave of anger and grief among family members and neighbors.
The tragedy began to unfold last Friday evening when police responded to complaints of a foul odor emanating from a suspicious package on E. 27th St. near Third Ave. Upon investigation, officers found Williams’ body, which the medical examiner later determined had been shot in the head. The incident was swiftly classified as a homicide.
Surveillance footage revealed a man in a motorized wheelchair as the primary suspect, seen dragging the body down the street. On Monday, police took 55-year-old Chad Irish into custody. Although Irish has been charged with concealment of a corpse, charges directly relating to Williams’ death are still pending. His criminal history includes 21 prior arrests and recent parole for a robbery in the Bronx.
The arrest of Irish ignited an intense reaction from the local community. A crowd of over 50 people, including Williams’ family, confronted the police as they escorted Irish out of an apartment building. Nicole Williams, Yazmeen’s mother, voiced the collective pain and fury, crying out, “You killed my daughter! Please kill him!”
Williams, a graduate of Buffalo State University with a degree in criminal justice, had recently begun a job with the New York City Housing Authority. Her family and friends describe her as a passionate advocate who aimed to help others and fight for justice. “She was beautiful, she was sweet, she was college-educated, she was just a good person,” said her aunt, Nisha Ramirez.
The emotional aftermath of the tragedy was palpable as neighbors and loved ones gathered to honor Williams’ memory. “She was an angel. She was a light,” said Nicole Williams. “She’s going to live with me forever.”
As the investigation continues, the community remains united in their demand for justice. “This is not the end,” vowed Zque Ramirez, another of Yazmeen’s aunts. “Justice will be served.”
