Bradenton police hope DNA evidence, advancements in technology will help solve 2003 cold case
BRADENTON, Fla. - Police in Bradenton continue to search for the suspect who killed a transgender woman 22 years ago.
Who killed Denisha Williams?
The backstory:
On February 28, 2003, a neighbor at what is now the Oak Park Apartments became worried after Denisha Williams broke her morning routine.
Inside her apartment off 5th Street West in Bradenton, the neighbor made a gut-wrenching discovery.
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"It was a brutal, brutal scene. It was a pretty horrific scene. It was apparent that Denisha fought for her life," said Detective Nichols.
Denisha Williams was found dead inside her apartment at what is now the Oak Park Apartments in Bradenton on February 28,2003.
At the time, neighbors told investigators that Williams would always lock her door and only answer for those she knew.
"I want somebody to be held to justice. There is somebody walking around possibly in our community who committed this horrific crime and has not been held to justice yet," said Detective Nichols.
Who was Denisha Williams?
Dig deeper:
Denisha Williams was originally born as Donald and transitioned at an early age.
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"Denisha did not try to hide the fact that she was a transgender woman and everyone in the community knew it from the neighbors, co-workers and friends and family. She was accepted by her family and friends. She had a great job. She was a productive member of society," said Detective Nichols.
Pictured: Denisha Williams courtesy of the Bradenton Police Department.
Bradenton Police Detective Sherry Nichols keeps a photo of Williams on her desk.
"She was just so full of life in her photos, and it just made me think about how much life she had to live," said Detective Nichols.
Williams was 41 years old when she was killed.
"For some reason Denisha’s case just struck a chord with me," said Detective Nichols.
Cold case
What they're saying:
For those who knew Williams, the pain is as strong as it was nearly 22 years ago.
"We became best friends. I was just like you should always let somebody know who’s coming in your house or not. You just never know. I’m still shocked," said former co-worker and friend Eddie Dean Butler.
Pictured: Denisha Williams courtesy of the Bradenton Police Department.
Detective Nichols hopes DNA evidence from the scene, along with advancements in technology will soon zero in on a suspect.
"She was at the prime of her life," Detective Nichols stated. "She had so much going for her and it was stolen from her."
Williams photo sits on Detective Nichols desk.
Every day, William's photo sits as a reminder for Detective Nichols.
"She is in the forefront of my mind to make sure this is solved for her first and foremost, but her family as well. They still suffer so much from this," said Detective Nichols.
What you can do:
Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective Sherry Nichols at 941-932-9316 or sherry.nichols@bradentonpd.com. Anonymous tips can be submitted to CrimeStoppers of Manatee County, Inc. at www.manateecrimestoppers.com.
The Source: This story was written with information gathered by FOX 13's Kimberly Kuizon.
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