Introduction to the Tragedy
Mourners carry the casket of 2-year-old Montrell Williams as they chant “Justice for who? Montrell!” on June 28, 2025.
Photo Emily Swanson
Clergy and mourners began arriving in East Harlem before 9 a.m. on June 28 for the funeral of Montrell Williams, 2, whose father stands accused of the boy’s murder.
The Funeral and Aftermath
The press was not permitted inside the small, private service, but afterwards, Bishop Boyde Singletary, Pastor Cheryl Singletary and Reverend Kevin McCall were among those who carried the boy’s small white casket from the funeral home into the hearse, chanting, “Justice for who? Montrell!”
Pastor Cheryl Singletary (left), Bishop Boyde Singletary (center) and Reverend Kevin McCall (right) address the media following the private funeral for Montrell Williams on June 28, 2025.Photo Emily Swanson
“We lost a child again. When is this gonna stop?” said Cheryl Singletary following the service.
Demands for Accountability
She said Montrell’s mother and family were “staying so strong” but are demanding accountability from the NYPD and family courts they blame for not treating the boy’s disappearance with urgency.
Montrell had been visiting his father, 20-year-old Arius Williams of Hunts Point, on Mother’s Day weekend—May 10—when Williams failed to return the child to his mother. According to the child’s family and clergy, NYPD treated the situation as a custody issue, not a missing person’s case, and Montrell’s mother was referred to family court.
The Investigation and Its Criticisms
On May 12 Montrell’s mother filed a petition in Family Court seeking his return. A judge issued a warrant on May 28, ordering Williams to produce the child.
The boy had been missing for a month when his body was finally pulled from the East River on June 11. Surveillance footage showed Williams allegedly picking up his child, who was alive, and throwing him into the river from a Bruckner Expressway overpass. Williams had allegedly already confessed the crime to the boy’s mother on June 8.
“If the police had done their job, [Montrell] would be here,” said Cheryl Singletary.
Community Response and Future Actions
McCall said the child’s mother, who is 17, should’ve been celebrating her high school graduation this weekend. Instead, “She graduated on Friday. She had to bury her child on Saturday.”
He and his fellow clergy members plan to press for a street co-naming in Montrell’s honor while helping the family pursue possible legal options against the police and family courts.
“The NYPD neglected this family,” said McCall.
Conclusion
The tragic death of Montrell Williams has sparked outrage and calls for accountability from the community, with many questioning the handling of the case by the NYPD and family courts. As the family and clergy seek justice and reforms, the memory of Montrell serves as a poignant reminder of the need for urgent action to prevent such tragedies in the future.
FAQs
Q: What happened to Montrell Williams?
A: Montrell Williams, a 2-year-old boy, was allegedly murdered by his father, Arius Williams, who threw him into the East River.
Q: How did the NYPD handle the case?
A: The NYPD initially treated the situation as a custody issue, not a missing person’s case, which has been criticized by the family and clergy.
Q: What are the family and clergy seeking?
A: They are seeking accountability from the NYPD and family courts, as well as possible legal options against them.
Q: How can I stay updated on this case?
A: You can follow the Bronx Times on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @bronxtimes for more coverage and updates.
Q: How can I contact the author of this article?
A: You can reach Emily Swanson at eswanson@schnepsmedia.com or (646) 717-0015.
