Court documents: Accused Kamarie Holland killer to appear in court for possible plea hearing

Chuck Williams
·2 min read

PHENIX CITY, Ala. (WRBL) — The Russell County man facing the death penalty if convicted in the brutal rape and murder of a five-year-old Columbus girl is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday afternoon.

Jeremy Williams was charged in December 2021 with the murder and rape of Kamarie Holland.

Williams is facing four death penalty counts – involving rape, kidnapping, sodomy, and the murder of a child under 14-years-old.

Because of a gag order put in place by Circuit Court Judge David Johnson, prosecutors and law enforcement in Russell County can not comment on the case.

However, a filing by the judge a week ago, indicates that a hearing set for Wednesday afternoon is for a “guilty plea.”

Kamarie’s father Corey Holland, told WRBL on Tuesday it was his understanding that the hearing was for a plea.

“Justice will be him being convicted and punished for the crime that he did towards my baby,” Corey Holland said. “My baby suffered. So, I think he deserves somewhat suffering itself.  I know he hurt me as well as my family. So, I believe that it’s only right that he do time. And also he won’t be out here harming all of the kids.”

The late 2021 crime rocked the community. It started as a missing child case in Columbus, but within 24 hours was a murder capital murder case in Russell County.

The indictment also charges Williams with the abuse of a corpse. In that count, it is alleged that Williams videotaped the sexual abuse of the little girl after he had strangled her to death.

As of now, no records in court files indicate that the state of Alabama has backed away from seeking the death penalty.

Kamarie’s mother, Kristy Siple, is also facing charges in connection to her daughter’s murder. Siple’s indictment alleges Siple sold her daughter to Williams for U.S. currency.

WRBL reached out to District Attorney Rick Chancey and Sheriff Heath Taylor – both declined to comment citing the gag order.

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