HARRISBURG, PA — Attorney General Michelle Henry announced that Steven M. Williams, a 30-year-old Philadelphia man, has pleaded guilty to his involvement in four murders for hire committed in 2018 and 2019. His plea acknowledges his role in a series of violent killings carried out in exchange for payment. Williams entered his guilty plea on Tuesday to three counts of third-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
The investigation, conducted by the Philadelphia Police Department Homicide Unit in collaboration with the Office of Attorney General’s Gun Violence Task Force, uncovered Williams’ participation in these contract killings. The homicides were linked to a broader probe into organized murder-for-hire operations in the city.
Williams admitted to being responsible for the following killings:
- William Crawford, 35, who was fatally shot on September 8, 2018, in the 1900 block of Hartel Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia.
- Jermaine Simmons, 39, who was killed on February 10, 2019, in the 7500 block of Forest Avenue in West Oak Lane.
- Richard Isaac, 31, who lost his life on March 25, 2019, in the 100 block of East Meehan Street in Mount Airy.
- Leslie Carroll, 39, who was murdered on May 4, 2019, at 20th Street and Girard Avenue in the Fairmount section.
“This defendant callously took lives, for dollars, as a paid killer,” stated Attorney General Henry in her announcement. “The defendant is without a doubt a danger to society, and we will be asking the court for a sentence that ensures that the community is protected.”
Williams is scheduled to be sentenced on March 5, 2025. Prosecutors have indicated that they will seek a penalty reflective of the severity of his crimes, aiming to safeguard public safety and deliver justice to the victims’ families.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.