BEL ALTON, Md. – Nearly three decades after her body was discovered in a rural field in Southern Maryland, cold case detectives are intensifying efforts to uncover the truth behind the murder of LaQuanda Denise “Niecey” Williams. Once known only as “Jane Doe,” Williams was officially identified in October 2023—25 years after her death.
From Jane Doe to LaQuanda Williams
The unidentified remains were first discovered in June 1998, off Route 301 near Irving Road in Bel Alton, Charles County. At the time, authorities estimated the victim to be in her early 30s, but with no identification, the case quickly turned cold. Over the years, multiple investigative techniques were employed—including facial reconstructions, isotope analysis, and national forensic databases—but all failed to uncover her identity.
That changed thanks to a televised news segment in 2023 that marked the 25th anniversary of the case. After watching the segment, a viewer came forward, believing the unknown woman might be a long-missing relative. A DNA sample from one of Williams’ siblings confirmed the connection, finally giving Jane Doe a name: LaQuanda Denise Williams, affectionately known as “Niecey” by those who loved her.
A Renewed Investigation
With her identity finally revealed, cold case detectives with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office have turned their focus to solving her murder. According to Detective Shankster, the lead investigator, this new information has breathed fresh life into the decades-old investigation.
“This case has never left our radar,” said Shankster. “Having her name gives us new direction. We believe someone out there knows what happened.”
The discovery of her name and background allows detectives to pursue new leads, reevaluate old evidence, and map her last known contacts. Williams had been living in Southeast Washington, D.C., but how and why she ended up in rural Charles County, Maryland—where her body was found—is still unclear.
Reward Offered for Information
The Charles County Sheriff’s Office, along with Charles County Crime Solvers, is offering a $10,000 reward for any information that leads to an arrest and indictment in the case.
“Even the smallest detail can help bring justice,” said Deputy Director Noelle Gehrman of the department’s Forensic Science Section. “LaQuanda deserves that. Her family deserves that.”
Authorities are urging anyone who may have known Williams or encountered her in the days leading up to her death to come forward, no matter how insignificant the information may seem.
How You Can Help
If you have any information related to the case, you’re encouraged to reach out through the following channels:
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Detective Shankster at:
📞 301-932-3037
📧 [email protected] -
Submit an anonymous tip via:
📞 1-866-411-TIPS
🌐 charlescountycrimesolvers.com
📱 P3Intel mobile app
A Family Still Waiting for Justice
The confirmation of LaQuanda’s identity brought long-overdue answers to her family, but also re-opened deep wounds. After 27 years, her loved ones continue to wait for justice, and investigators remain committed to delivering it.
“We may be decades removed from the crime,” said Detective Shankster, “but time doesn’t diminish the importance of solving it. Someone out there knows what happened—and now is the time to come forward.”
As the community remembers LaQuanda Denise “Niecey” Williams, law enforcement and her family are hopeful that someone, somewhere, holds the final piece of the puzzle needed to bring her killer to justice.
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