Damien Williams identified as NC man who took hostages at a motel, killed himself
The North Carolina man suspected of murder, who holed up in a motel room in Charlotte with hostages and later apparently shot himself, has been identified by police.
Damien Lamer Williams, 24, used a firearm in the murder of 31-year-old Vanessa Perry Williams sometime between Dec. 31 and Saturday.
The body of Vanessa Williams was found inside her home in the Dunean community at about 12:10 p.m. Saturday, said Greenville County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Jonathan Smith.
Smith said a relative who hadn’t heard from Williams in days had called asking for a welfare check. Deputies went to her home and discovered a deceased woman inside, according to authorities.
In a statement, the Charlotte police department said members of the SWAT Team heard a gunshot from inside the motel room after gathering outside.
Upon entering the room, it appears the suspect was suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was taken to the hospital with what was described as serious injuries.
No one else was hurt during the incident, officials said.
Williams had previously been charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, according to arrest warrants.
An autopsy is scheduled for Monday to determine the cause of death for Vanessa Williams, the Coroner’s Office said.
