Scholarship Honors Formerly Missing Indy Teen, Supports Kids with Autism

The Robert Earl Williams Jr Scholarship Fund will provide enrichment and education for children with autism or mild intellectual disabilities.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 9:15pm

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Katania Williams, the mother of 16-year-old Robert "RJ" Williams who had autism and tragically passed away in December, is launching a scholarship fund in her son's honor to help other children like him. The "Robert Earl Williams Jr Scholarship Fund" will provide financial assistance for education, therapy, and enrichment programs for kids with autism or mild intellectual disabilities in the Indianapolis area.

Why it matters

RJ's story has deeply impacted the Indianapolis community, highlighting the challenges faced by families with autistic children. The scholarship aims to carry on RJ's legacy by supporting other kids with similar needs and providing resources to help them thrive.

The details

After RJ went missing in mid-December and was later found deceased, his mother Katania was determined to find a way to honor his memory and help others. She and RJ's teacher came up with the idea to start a scholarship fund to assist children with autism or mild intellectual disabilities access educational, therapeutic, and enrichment opportunities. The fund was officially organized as an LLC this week, and Katania is now working out the application process with the goal of opening it up by summer.

  • RJ went missing from Broad Ripple in mid-December 2025.
  • RJ's body was recovered from the White River a little over two weeks later.
  • On February 7, 2026, the "Robert Earl Williams Jr Scholarship Fund" was officially organized as an LLC.

The players

Katania Williams

RJ's mother, who is launching the scholarship fund in her son's honor.

Robert "RJ" Williams

Katania's 16-year-old son who had autism and tragically passed away in December 2025.

Diego Morales

The Indiana Secretary of State who signed off on the organization of the scholarship fund LLC.

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What they’re saying

“RJ was always happy; he had so many friends.”

— Katania Williams, RJ's mother (fox59.com)

“It doesn't give me closure, but it gives me an awakening to know that other kids like him will be helped, that the community made a difference and he's going to make a difference within the community.”

— Katania Williams, RJ's mother (fox59.com)

What’s next

Katania is currently working out the application process for the scholarship fund, with the goal of opening it up to applicants by summer 2026.

The takeaway

RJ's tragic passing has inspired his mother Katania to create a lasting legacy that will help support and empower other children with autism and intellectual disabilities in the Indianapolis community, ensuring RJ's memory and spirit live on through this meaningful scholarship.