TENNESSEE, USA — Aaron Dontay Williams, 41, was arrested on Friday morning in Tennessee after allegedly killing his wife, Tyeisha Williams, and her daughter, Zynniya Wright, before kidnapping his 3-year-old son, Aaron Williams Jr.
The suspect was located following a manhunt that spanned multiple states after authorities issued an Amber Alert for the missing child.
The Tragic Discovery and Immediate Response
On Thursday, July 10, 2025, at around 2:30 p.m., the Auburn Police Department responded to a welfare check request at a residence located in the 1200 block of Samantha Court.
Upon entering the home, officers discovered the bodies of Tyeisha Williams, 34, and Zynniya Wright, 13, both victims of apparent homicide. However, they found the 3-year-old boy, who also lived at the home, was missing.
Authorities immediately identified Aaron Williams as the primary suspect in the deaths of his wife and stepdaughter, as well as the abduction of the child. They issued an Amber Alert for the missing 3-year-old boy, warning that he was believed to be in imminent danger.
The Search for Aaron Williams
In a joint effort by the U.S. Marshals Service, FBI, and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Aaron Williams was captured on July 11, 2025, at around 7:15 a.m.
The suspect was arrested in Giles County, Tennessee, though authorities did not immediately disclose the exact location of the arrest. He is currently being held without bond in Tennessee as he awaits extradition back to Alabama.
Victims Identified and Investigation Continues
The victims of the killings were identified by the Lee County Coroner’s Office as Tyeisha Williams and Zynniya Wright, with autopsies scheduled to be conducted by the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences.
The possible motive for the killings has not been disclosed at this time. However, Zynniya Wright’s father spoke out about the danger his daughter faced, telling local NBC affiliate WFSA that he had asked a judge to have his daughter removed from the home due to concerns about Aaron Williams.
“I told them that it was just a matter of time before this guy hurts someone,” he said in an interview, reflecting the premonitions that tragically became reality.
Law Enforcement Collaboration
The investigation into the double homicide and abduction was a joint effort between multiple agencies, including the FBI, U.S. Marshals, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and several local law enforcement departments.
The Auburn Police Department thanked all agencies involved, noting the collaborative effort in bringing Aaron Williams to justice.
The Road Ahead
As of now, authorities have not disclosed the exact charges Aaron Williams will face, but they indicated that his actions will likely lead to severe consequences. Meanwhile, the kidnapped child, Aaron Williams Jr., was recovered unharmed, and authorities are working to ensure his safety and well-being following his harrowing ordeal.
