Framingham, MA – A man wanted for the murder of a 2-year-old boy in Columbus, Ohio, was apprehended in Massachusetts while reportedly wearing a disguise, authorities said. The arrest marks the end of a more than five-year search for Dioblis Williams, 25, who allegedly caused the death of Ja’Mir Jones in 2020.
Background: Tragic Death of Ja’Mir Jones
On March 25, 2020, Columbus Division of Police officers responded to a report of a child found unresponsive in a bathtub. Ja’Mir Jones, 2, was pronounced dead at a children’s hospital. Initial reports suggested drowning, but an autopsy revealed blunt force trauma to the abdomen as the cause of death. The toddler also had bruises on his face, torso, and neck, though his lungs were unobstructed.
Court records indicate that Williams, then the boyfriend of Ja’Mir’s mother, allegedly struck the child after an accident in his diaper, resulting in the boy’s death. The incident was quickly ruled a homicide, and Williams became a fugitive from justice.
Arrest in Massachusetts: Disguise Attempt Fails
More than five years later, Williams was located about 750 miles east in Framingham, Massachusetts. On August 27, at approximately 8:30 a.m., a K-9 officer with the Framingham Police Department noticed two individuals walking on a sidewalk, one wearing a wig.
Police determined that the individual with the wig matched the description of the fugitive wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) and the Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section. Video footage from local ABC affiliate WSYX showed Williams sprinting from officers, tripping, and discarding the wig before surrendering.
The disguise included a long reddish-blonde wig, black sunglasses, and a large hair tie, according to the Framingham Police Department.
Federal and Local Reactions
“Today’s arrest is a reminder that you can run, but you can’t hide,” said acting U.S. Marshal Kevin W. Neal. “Mr. Williams thought 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.”
Ja’Mir’s great-grandmother shared her relief, stating, “Hallelujah, thank the lord. I’ve been praying for this for five years. Since 2020, I knew he did it.”
Legal Proceedings
Following his capture, Williams was brought back to Ohio and arraigned on the murder charge. He has a preliminary hearing scheduled for September 19.
Authorities continue to emphasize that this arrest demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated law enforcement efforts in tracking fugitives across state lines.
What do you think about the capture of Williams after five years on the run? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
