BEL ALTON, Md. — For 25 years, she was only known as Jane Doe—a nameless woman found dead in a field in Charles County, Maryland, with no identity and no justice. But in October 2023, a breakthrough changed everything. Cold case investigators confirmed the woman’s name: LaQuanda Denise “Niecey” Williams, a 31-year-old from Southeast Washington, D.C.
Now, 27 years after her death, detectives are determined to find her killer.
A Tip Sparks Long-Awaited Breakthrough
Williams’ body was discovered in June 1998, off Route 301 near Irving Road in Bel Alton, a quiet rural area in Charles County. At the time, investigators estimated she was in her early 30s but had no ID, no distinguishing marks, and no missing persons match. Multiple efforts—ranging from forensic facial reconstruction to isotopic analysis—failed to uncover her identity.
Then, in 2023, a news segment aired on the 25th anniversary of the case. That same night, a viewer contacted authorities, suspecting the woman in the report was a missing family member. A DNA sample from one of Williams’ siblings later confirmed the match, finally giving Jane Doe a name.
Who Was LaQuanda “Niecey” Williams?
LaQuanda Denise Williams, affectionately known as “Niecey”, was a Southeast D.C. resident whose life ended in tragedy far from home. While her identity is now known, how and why she ended up in rural Maryland remains a mystery.
“She didn’t deserve this,” said Detective Shankster, who is now leading the case. “Having her name gives us a new path to follow. We believe someone out there knows what happened.”
Renewed Investigation and New Leads
With Williams’ identity confirmed, cold case detectives have renewed their efforts. Investigators are now reexamining her final known movements, social connections, and any link she may have had to Charles County. Every new detail—no matter how minor—could bring them closer to solving the case.
“This case has never left our radar,” added Shankster. “But now, with her name and face restored, we have hope again.”
Authorities are particularly interested in information about Williams’ associates in the D.C. area, or anyone who may have seen her during the weeks leading up to her death.
Community Support and Reward Offered
To encourage public assistance, the Charles County Sheriff’s Office and Charles County Crime Solvers are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment.
“No detail is too small,” said Deputy Director Noelle Gehrman of the Forensic Science Section. “LaQuanda deserves justice. Her family deserves closure.”
How You Can Help
If you or someone you know has any information about LaQuanda Williams’ disappearance or murder, please contact:
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Detective Shankster: 301-932-3037 or [email protected]
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Anonymous Tips:
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Phone: 1-866-411-TIPS
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Online: charlescountycrimesolvers.com
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App: P3Intel
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Even after 27 years, it’s not too late to come forward. One phone call could finally bring peace to a grieving family—and hold someone accountable for a decades-old crime.
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