Grandmother Arrested After Failing to Cooperate with CPS, Children Removed

Shirley Williamson allegedly refused to disclose the whereabouts of her 4 grandchildren after their mother's arrest

Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:54pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a small, worn stuffed animal against a pitch-black background, capturing the stark, gritty mood of a child welfare investigation.A harsh, unforgiving flash illuminates the forgotten remnants of a child's world, exposing the unseen realities of a family in crisis.Fredericksburg Today

A 52-year-old West Virginia grandmother, Shirley Williamson, was arrested after she allegedly failed to cooperate with Child Protective Services (CPS) over the welfare of her four grandchildren. The children were placed in Williamson's custody after their mother, 28-year-old Kierstan Randall, was arrested on an outstanding warrant. However, CPS was unable to locate the children, and their whereabouts remained unknown until Williamson turned herself in to authorities.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges child welfare agencies face when family members refuse to cooperate, potentially putting children at risk. It also raises questions about the balance between parental rights and the state's responsibility to ensure child safety.

The details

After Randall's arrest, she turned her children over to Williamson, their maternal grandmother. CPS attempted to contact Williamson multiple times but was unsuccessful. Detectives and social workers worked to get Williamson to cooperate, but she allegedly refused, leading to the children being entered as missing. CPS eventually obtained a removal order and arrest warrants for Williamson on charges of violating a court custody order and causing acts rendering children delinquent.

  • On April 6, officers responded to a home in Fredericksburg, Virginia and discovered the children's mother, Kierstan Randall, had an outstanding arrest warrant.
  • On April 9, CPS obtained a removal order for the children.
  • On April 10, Williamson turned herself in to authorities and was held without bond.

The players

Shirley Williamson

A 52-year-old West Virginia grandmother who was granted custody of her four grandchildren after their mother's arrest, but allegedly failed to cooperate with CPS.

Kierstan Randall

The 28-year-old mother of the four children, who was arrested on an outstanding warrant and turned her children over to their grandmother, Shirley Williamson.

Fredericksburg Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the initial welfare check and filed a report with CPS.

Child Protective Services

The agency that attempted to locate and contact Williamson regarding the welfare of the four children, but was unsuccessful until obtaining a removal order.

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What they’re saying

“Detectives and social workers both worked diligently to get the maternal grandmother to cooperate with authorities.”

— Fredericksburg Police Department

What’s next

The judge will determine whether to grant Williamson bail at her upcoming court appearance.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of family cooperation in child welfare cases and the challenges faced by authorities when relatives refuse to disclose information about the whereabouts of children under their care.