A man wanted for the murder of a 2-year-old boy in Columbus, Ohio, was arrested in Massachusetts while wearing a disguise, according to investigators. The arrest brings an end to a more than five-year search for Dioblis Williams, 25, who allegedly killed Ja’Mir Jones in 2020.
On March 25, 2020, Columbus Division of Police officers responded to a report of an unresponsive child discovered in a bathtub. Ja’Mir Jones, 2, was pronounced dead at a pediatric facility. The initial reports suggested drowning, but an examination confirmed blunt force trauma to the abdomen as the cause of death. The toddler had injuries on his face, torso, and neck, but his lungs were unimpeded.
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According to court records, Williams, Ja’Mir’s mother’s then-boyfriend, allegedly struck the child after a diaper mishap, killing him. The act was swiftly deemed a homicide, and Williams fled to avoid arrest.
More than five years later, Williams was in Framingham, Massachusetts, almost 750 miles to the east. On August 27, at about 8:30 a.m., a Framingham Police Department K-9 officer saw two people strolling along a sidewalk; one of them was wearing a wig.
Police concluded that the person wearing the wig matched the description of a fugitive wanted by the United States Marshals Service (USMS) and the Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section. Local ABC station WSYX captured video of Williams dashing away from authorities, tripping, and losing the wig before surrendering.
The Framingham Police Department reported that the disguise consisted of a long reddish-blonde wig, black sunglasses, and a huge hair tie.
“Today’s arrest is a reminder that you can run, but you can’t hide,” said acting US Marshal Kevin W. Neal. “Mr. Williams believed he might dodge arrest and accountability by sheltering in Massachusetts. I believe today’s arrest moves us one step closer to justice for a young boy whose life ended tragically.”
Ja’Mir’s great-grandmother expressed her relief, saying, “Hallelujah, thank the Lord.” I had been praying for this for five years. Since 2020, I have known that he was guilty.
Williams was apprehended and returned to Ohio, where he was charged with murder. He has a preliminary hearing planned for September 19.
Authorities continue to underline that this capture demonstrates the efficiency of collaborative law enforcement efforts in tracking down fugitives across state lines.
