PHILADELPHIA, PA — Symair Carson-Williams, known as “Lil Meer,” has been convicted for his participation in a violent carjacking spree in early 2024, affecting multiple victims in Philadelphia. The 19-year-old was found guilty on charges of conspiracy to commit carjacking, three counts of carjacking, and three counts of using a firearm during a violent crime.
Evidence presented in court demonstrated that Carson-Williams was part of a group that carried out three armed carjackings within the span of one hour on the morning of January 27, 2024. Surveillance footage, forensic analysis, cell phone records, and victim testimony overwhelmingly connected him to the crimes.
The spree began overnight with the theft of a 2019 Honda CR-V from the 1800 block of Lansing Street. It escalated hours later at a Sunoco gas station on North 5th Street, where a 67-year-old man was threatened at gunpoint before the group stole his BMW. Minutes later, on Shelmire Avenue, a 34-year-old man was robbed of his Chevrolet Equinox and personal belongings after being forced to the ground at gunpoint. The final incident occurred at a Conoco gas station on Rising Sun Avenue, where a 54-year-old man was held at gunpoint before his Honda Accord was stolen.
Acting U.S. Attorney Nelson S.T. Thayer, Jr. underscored the severity of the crimes, stating, “Symair Carson-Williams and his co-conspirators thought nothing of terrorizing three innocent victims who’d just been going about their morning. People in this city shouldn’t have to live in fear every time they get behind the wheel.”
Echoing this sentiment, Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division, highlighted the collaborative work of the Philadelphia Carjacking Task Force in identifying and prosecuting offenders. He stressed, “This young man now faces a mandatory minimum of 21 years in federal prison,” noting the importance of forensic tools and partnerships in addressing violent crime.
The case, investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Philadelphia Police Department, was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorneys Branwen McNabb O’Donnell and Brian Doherty.
This verdict is seen as a significant step in combating carjacking and gun violence in Philadelphia. With Carson-Williams awaiting sentencing, law enforcement officials reaffirm their commitment to removing violent offenders from the streets and ensuring public safety for the city’s residents.
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