Columbus police are looking for a woman accused of threatening a witness in a murder trial, Public Information Officer Bryan Moore told The Dispatch.
A felony warrant was issued Friday for Areiona Williams, 29, of Columbus, for multiple counts of witness intimidation.
Williams allegedly threatened a witness in the trial of her cousin, Undra Lamorris Williams, who was convicted last week of the May 2023 murder of Devon Thompson inside the Inferno Sports Bar, Moore said.
During the trial, Circuit Court Judge Jim Kitchens ordered Ward 4 Councilman Pierre Beard and Jaylin Williams, Areiona Williams’ cousin and the defendant’s brother, be held in contempt of court after they each caused a disturbance. Jaylin Williams then ran from the courtroom and jumped into a vehicle with Areiona Williams.
Columbus police eventually apprehended the pair at 14th Avenue North and Railroad Street. Jaylin Williams was charged with possession of paraphernalia, and Areiona Williams was charged with marijuana possession.
Moore said Areiona Wiliams was released on bond, while Jaylin Williams remains at the Lowndes County Adult Detention Center.
Police are asking anyone with information on Areiona Williams’ whereabouts to contact the Columbus Police Department or Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers at (800) 530-7151.
McRae is a general assignment and education reporter for The Dispatch.
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