June 13, 2025 HUNTS POINT, Bronx, NY – A chilling and tragic narrative unfolded in a Bronx courtroom this week, as a 20-year-old father, Arius Williams, was arraigned on charges of second-degree murder and manslaughter in connection with the death of his two-year-old son, Montrell Williams. The devastating case has gripped the community, leaving a family shattered and grappling with an unthinkable act.
Key Allegations Emerge in Court:
During a somber arraignment, prosecutors painted a harrowing picture, alleging that little Montrell was alive when he was thrown into the frigid waters of the East River on the night of May 10th. Surveillance video, a critical piece of evidence in the prosecution's case, reportedly shows Arius Williams with his son just moments before the alleged act. Police assert they possess video footage capturing Williams at 11:57 p.m. on May 10th, appearing to throw the child over a bridge before walking away without him.
A Month-Long Search Ends in Tragedy:
The discovery of a child's body in the East River on Wednesday is believed by authorities to be that of Montrell Williams, who had been missing for a month. While official identification from the medical examiner is still pending, the community holds its breath, hoping for closure amidst profound sorrow.
Custody Battle and Troubling Developments:
This tragedy follows a series of troubling events. Arius Williams appeared in Bronx Family Court on Monday, facing a warrant for failing to return Montrell to his mother, as per their custody agreement. His inability to disclose the child's whereabouts led to his incarceration.
According to the complaint, Montrell's mother contacted police and family court after Williams failed to return the child on May 11th. The complaint further states that Williams maintained limited contact with family and withheld information regarding Montrell's location.
A Desperate Mother's Plea and a Shocking Confession:
On May 28th, Family Court issued an order for Williams to produce the child. Then, on June 8th, a chance encounter on the street between Montrell's mother and Williams, after weeks of desperate attempts to reach him, took a terrifying turn. The complaint alleges that Williams initially refused to disclose Montrell's whereabouts. He then allegedly took her to St. Mary's Park, where he reportedly brandished a knife, threatened her, and chillingly confessed to throwing their child into the river.
The mother, demonstrating incredible resolve, continued to follow Williams into Manhattan, where she contacted police. He was subsequently taken into custody on a custodial interference warrant, and an order of protection was granted to the mother.
Family in Disbelief: "Nobody Expected This"
The arraignment was a scene of raw emotion, with Williams' mother, stepfather, and another family member audibly gasping and crying as the grim details of the complaint were read. The tight-knit family of the accused father is struggling to comprehend the alleged actions.
"Nobody expected this at all, because he loved his son, I don't know what drove him to do this," stated Leroy Burton, the suspect's step-grandfather, his voice laced with pain.
Montrell Williams