DETROIT, MI – A Michigan mother, Alisha Hollamon, and her boyfriend, Avion Traylor, have been sentenced to decades in prison for the brutal death of her 7-year-old son, Deshawn Williams, in what prosecutors have described as a “sick, demonic, ritual-like crime”.
Heartbreaking Crime and Plea Deal
Hollamon, 25, and Traylor, 23, both pleaded guilty to second-degree murder last month in connection with the 2023 death of Deshawn Williams. According to court records, Hollamon was sentenced to between 20 to 40 years in prison, while Traylor received a sentence ranging from 28 to 60 years.
The case, which shocked the community, stemmed from a tragic incident that occurred in Detroit on the night of October 22, 2023. Police responded to reports of child abuse at a residence on Hurlbut Street, where they found Deshawn severely beaten, with scars and abrasions across his face, back, and chest.
The Brutality of the Crime
Deshawn was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Prosecutors revealed during the couple’s arraignment that the boy had suffered blunt force trauma to his head and pelvis, the latter of which had been broken in half. Assistant Prosecutor Tina Ripley described the scene, stating, “It looked as though he was dragged across a rough surface.” She added that there were simply no words to describe how brutally Deshawn had been harmed, noting that Deshawn lived a nightmare before his death.
Traylor’s Role in the Abuse
Police confirmed that Avion Traylor was the one who inflicted most of the abuse on Deshawn, while Alisha Hollamon stood by and did nothing to intervene. The couple was initially charged with felony murder, first-degree child abuse, and torture, but as part of a plea deal, the state dropped the abuse and torture charges, with both individuals pleading guilty to second-degree murder.
Emotional Sentencing and Family Impact
During the sentencing hearing, Deshawn’s aunt, Krystal Hollamon, who is Alisha’s sister, expressed her anguish and fury at Traylor. According to reports, she called her nephew’s death a “sick, demonic, ritual-like crime” and accused Traylor of being evil. She further claimed that her sister, Alisha, had “given birth to a demon.”
The case left a lasting impact on those involved. Wayne County Third Circuit Court Judge Paul Cusick, who has nearly three decades of experience as both a judge and criminal defense lawyer, called the case one of the worst he had ever witnessed. Judge Cusick also shared that he had seen videos in court where Deshawn was “crying for his life”, further underscoring the horrific nature of the crime.
Community Outrage and Legal Proceedings
Deshawn’s death has sparked outrage within the community, and many have questioned how such an extreme act of violence could occur, especially to a young child. The case has prompted conversations about child abuse prevention, the role of mental health in violent crimes, and the need for stronger protections for vulnerable children.
Call to Action
This horrific crime has left a permanent scar on the community, but there are still many questions surrounding the circumstances that led to Deshawn’s tragic death. What do you think about the sentence? How can we prevent such tragedies from happening in the future? Share your thoughts in the comments below as we continue to seek justice and support for the victims of domestic violence.
