Twenty-three years after Denisha Williams was found dead in her Bradenton apartment, her killing remains unsolved and her case is still officially open with city detectives.
Williams was discovered in 2003 inside her home at 1909 5th Street West, where investigators say she suffered multiple injuries. Detectives recovered DNA at the scene, yet no suspect has been identified.
Case Details
According to the Bradenton Police Department, 41-year-old Williams was found on Friday, Feb. 28, 2003, inside an apartment at the Cedar Tree Apartments, now known as Cedar Tree Village, in the 1900 block of 5th Street West. The agency lists the investigation under case number 2003-010023 and notes that it remains an active cold case.
What Investigators Say
The public database maintained by Project Cold Case records the incident location and states that Williams suffered blunt and sharp force trauma to her head and neck, injuries consistent with a violent struggle. In a social media post on March 2, the Bradenton Police Department said detectives recovered DNA evidence from the scene and renewed their appeal for information, urging anyone with tips to contact investigators through the department’s social feed.
How Police Are Asking For Help
The Bradenton Police Department’s Cold Case Unit lists Detective Sherry Nichols as the lead investigator and provides direct contact information for tips. According to the Bradenton Police Department, anyone with information is asked to call 941-932-9316 or email [email protected]. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Manatee County Crime Stoppers, where tipsters may be eligible for a reward.
Why DNA And New Tools Matter
Advances in DNA testing and investigative genetic genealogy have helped law enforcement identify suspects in some long-cold cases, which has influenced how agencies revisit old evidence and follow up on leads. Legal and ethical debates around those methods are ongoing, yet experts say the technology can make renewed outreach, including anniversary appeals, a potentially important step, according to the American Bar Association…