The boyfriend of a Bronx-born mother who was found dead inside her Manhattan apartment is now behind bars, bringing a measure of relief to a grieving family seeking justice.
On Saturday, 41-year-old Tiliek Thompson was escorted out of the NYPD's 33rd Precinct in handcuffs as relatives and friends of Lovay Williams, 27, watched from behind police barricades. Emotions ran high as Williams' loved ones came face-to-face with the man accused of killing her for the first time since her death.
Family members shouted at Thompson during the perp walk, expressing anger and heartbreak over the loss of the young mother.
"So many things that you could have did as a man. Could have walked away...and you chose to kill my child," said Williams' father, Nuquan Williams.
Police say Williams was found dead inside her West 156th Street apartment on Sept. 6 after officers responded to a wellness check. She was discovered with trauma to her head and neck.
According to investigators, Thompson, who was dating Williams at the time of her death, turned himself in on Saturday. Williams' father believes mounting public pressure played a role in the surrender.
"The pressure was on and he had no choice but to turn himself in," Nuquan Williams said.
Thompson now faces a lengthy list of charges, including murder, strangulation, assault, child abandonment, harassment and acting in a manner injurious to a child.
Family members say Williams' young daughter was inside the apartment with her mother's body following the fatal attack. While continuing to process the tragedy, relatives say the child is receiving support.
"She's not fully aware that her mother is deceased. However, she's doing pretty good," her father said.
Williams is remembered as a devoted mother, daughter and friend.
"Always cared for her family, always cared for her daughter. Loved music and loved people," Nuquan Williams said.
As loved ones mourn, domestic violence advocates say Williams' death highlights the ongoing dangers faced by abuse survivors.
"We have to denounce domestic violence. We don't want Lovay to be any other woman," said Stephanie McGraw, a domestic violence advocate with WARM.
McGraw added that domestic violence remains a persistent crisis, particularly when victims attempt to leave abusive relationships.
"Domestic violence is still killing women every day. And the most dangerous time is when women are trying to leave the abuser," she said.
A vigil to honor Williams is scheduled for Monday outside her Harlem apartment as family and friends gather to remember a young mother whose life was cut short. Thompson is expected to face a judge in Manhattan Criminal Court.
