Convicted child killer faces execution for murder of 5-year-old Phenix City girl

Jeremy Williams could be executed as early as this summer for the rape and murder of Kamarie Holland.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:19pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a rope, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the disturbing details of a child's murder.The chilling physical evidence of a heinous crime against a young child sparks outrage and demands for justice.Phenix City Today

A convicted child killer, Jeremy Williams, could face execution as soon as this summer for the rape and murder of 5-year-old Kamarie Holland in Phenix City, Alabama. The Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals has affirmed Williams' conviction and death sentence, and the Russell County District Attorney says the execution could happen if Williams files no appeals during a two-week window.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in the criminal justice system to balance the demands for swift justice and the rights of defendants to appeal. The brutal nature of the crime against a young child has also sparked outrage in the community and renewed calls for harsher penalties for such heinous acts.

The details

According to court filings, Williams gave the child methamphetamine, beat her, sexually abused her, and strangled her. Russell County District Attorney Rick Chancey described the crime as one of the most horrific he has encountered. Williams has fired his attorneys and is asking for a speedy execution, which could push him to the top of Alabama's execution list.

  • In 2021, Kamarie Holland, a 5-year-old girl, was found dead in the basement of a Phenix City home.
  • On April 6, 2026, the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals affirmed Jeremy Williams' conviction and death sentence for the rape and murder of Kamarie Holland.
  • In the next two weeks, Williams has the opportunity to file for a rehearing or other appeals. If he files nothing, the court will issue a certificate of judgment in three weeks, affirming his conviction and death sentence.
  • Once the certificate is issued, the Attorney General can ask the Alabama Supreme Court for permission to carry out the execution, which could happen as early as this summer.

The players

Jeremy Williams

A convicted child killer who was found guilty of the rape and murder of 5-year-old Kamarie Holland in Phenix City, Alabama. He has fired his attorneys and is asking for a speedy execution.

Rick Chancey

The Russell County District Attorney, who described the crime against Kamarie Holland as one of the most horrific he has encountered.

Kamarie Holland

A 5-year-old girl who was raped and murdered by Jeremy Williams in Phenix City, Alabama in 2021.

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What they’re saying

“Kamarie didn't get 40 years. She didn't get 30 minutes. He shouldn't get another 30 minutes, but we have to go through the process. I think the sooner, the better.”

— Rick Chancey, Russell County District Attorney

What’s next

Once the certificate of judgment is issued, the Attorney General can ask the Alabama Supreme Court for permission to carry out the execution. If the justices sign off, the case will move to the governor for final approval.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate around capital punishment, particularly in cases involving the murder of children. While the community demands swift justice, the criminal justice system must balance the rights of defendants to appeal their convictions. The brutality of the crime has renewed calls for harsher penalties for such heinous acts.