Relatives gathered in East Harlem after the 27-year-old mother was found dead inside her Washington Heights apartment.
NEW YORK — Relatives and advocates gathered in East Harlem to mourn 27-year-old Lovay Williams, a mother whose death inside her Washington Heights apartment is being investigated as a homicide with an apparent domestic violence connection.
The Monday night vigil shifted attention from the crime scene to the family Williams leaves behind, particularly her young daughter, who was inside the apartment when police arrived Sunday. Williams’ parents told ABC7 New York that the girl witnessed the fatal violence. Authorities have not publicly confirmed the full account given by the family, and police have released few details about what happened before officers arrived.
Williams was found unconscious and unresponsive at 535 W. 156th St. after officers responded to a request for a welfare check at about 1:30 p.m. Sunday. Police said she had injuries to her face and neck. She was pronounced dead at the apartment, and the death was being treated as a homicide while the city medical examiner worked to determine the official cause.
Family members described Williams as a caring mother whose life centered on her daughter. Her father, Nuquan Williams, said she loved music, people and, above all, her child. Her brother similarly remembered her as an attentive parent. Green balloons were released during the vigil as relatives, friends and advocates gathered to honor her.
The family has said Williams was dating the man they believe was responsible for her death. Police sources have also said investigators are treating the case as domestic in nature and know whom they are seeking. Authorities had not publicly identified a suspect or announced an arrest as of Tuesday morning, and no charges had been filed.
The child’s presence has become one of the most painful parts of the family’s account. Williams’ parents said their granddaughter saw what happened and remained with her mother afterward. News organizations have reported different ages for the girl: Williams’ family described her as 7, while other reports citing police sources put her age at 5. Officials have not publicly resolved that difference.
Domestic violence advocates joined the family at the memorial. Stephanie Mcgraw, founder of WARM, said the violence highlighted the need to recognize warning signs in abusive relationships. Her remarks came as investigators continued examining whether Williams’ death stemmed from an intimate relationship, though police have not publicly released a motive or detailed the history between Williams and the man being sought.
Williams’ death also stunned neighbors in Washington Heights, where residents said she largely kept to herself and was usually seen with her daughter. One neighbor told CBS New York that the mother and child were often together. Other residents said they sometimes heard music from the apartment and occasionally arguing, but those observations alone do not establish what happened Sunday.
Investigators have also been reviewing activity around the apartment. Local reports described security video showing a man entering and leaving the residence Sunday morning, and a neighbor reported seeing a person leave several times with plastic bags. Police have not publicly connected those observations to a named suspect or explained what significance, if any, they have to the case.
Williams’ father said she was born and raised in the Bronx before living in Washington Heights. At the vigil, her relatives focused less on the investigation than on the young mother they lost and the child now growing up without her. Their remembrance unfolded as detectives continued searching for answers and for the man police believe may be connected to her death.
The investigation remained open Tuesday. Police had not released the identity of the man being sought, and the medical examiner had not publicly announced a final cause of death. Authorities also had not disclosed whether an arrest warrant had been issued or when additional investigative findings might be released.
Author note: Last updated September 8, 2026.