DETROIT, MI – A Michigan couple have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms for the brutal beating death of the woman’s 7-year-old son, whose tragic final days shocked the community and left authorities describing his suffering as unimaginable.
Alisha Hollamon, 25, and her boyfriend Avion Traylor, 23, both pleaded guilty last month to second-degree murder in connection with the October 2023 killing of Deshawn Williams. Their sentences were handed down this week in Wayne County, with Hollamon receiving a minimum of 20 years and up to 40 years behind bars. Traylor was sentenced to between 28 and 60 years in prison.
Detroit police were called to the family’s east side home on Hurlbut Street shortly after midnight on Oct. 22, 2023, following reports of suspected child abuse. When officers arrived, they discovered Deshawn with severe injuries covering his body, including scars and abrasions on his face, back, and chest. Emergency medical personnel transported the child to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
According to court testimony, Deshawn suffered extensive trauma before his death. The medical examiner determined that the boy died of blunt force injuries to the head and a shattered pelvis. Authorities described indications that Deshawn was repeatedly assaulted, with evidence suggesting he may have been dragged across rough surfaces.
Prosecutors argued that Traylor was responsible for inflicting the abuse on Deshawn, while Hollamon failed to intervene or seek help for her son. Both were initially facing more serious charges, including felony murder, first-degree child abuse, and torture. As part of their plea agreements, the state agreed to drop the child abuse and torture counts.
During the sentencing hearing, members of Deshawn’s family addressed the court, expressing heartbreak and anger. Deshawn’s aunt, Krystal Hollamon, called her nephew’s death a “sick, demonic, ritual-like crime,” directing her grief and fury at Traylor, whom she described in deeply emotional terms.
The presiding judge, Paul Cusick, reflected on the harrowing nature of the case, saying that in nearly thirty years of legal work, it was among the most disturbing he had encountered. Cusick recounted watching video footage presented as evidence, which reportedly showed Deshawn crying out in pain during the attacks.
Family members and community advocates have decried Deshawn’s death, calling for greater vigilance in recognizing and reporting signs of child abuse. Law enforcement officials emphasized the importance of early intervention, noting the severity of Deshawn’s injuries as an indication that the abuse had persisted over time.
The case has prompted renewed discussions among child welfare organizations about support services and the need for increased oversight in homes where children may be at risk.
With Hollamon and Traylor now sentenced, authorities say their focus will remain on raising awareness about child safety and providing ongoing support to Deshawn’s surviving relatives.