Shekinah Williams: Suspect in Grays Ferry murder found dead in jail cell

A suspect arrested yesterday in connection with a Grays Ferry double shooting that killed a mother of five was discovered dead in a holding cell early this morning.

Officials at the police headquarters detention unit discovered the body of 28-year-old Shekinah Williams, of the 2100 block of Sears Street in Point Breeze, hanging by a t-shirt from the ceiling of a cell around 3 a.m.

The discovery came hours after Williams’ preliminary arraignment during which a judge set his bail at $500,000, according to court documents.

Police arrested Williams on Sunday without incident. He was charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault and reckless endangerment for an April 20 shooting on the 1500 block of South Corlies Street.

Williams and another man allegedly exchanged gunfire that afternoon, catching innocent bystander Clarice Douglas, 45, in the crossfire as she stood on her porch. Douglas died of gunshot wounds to her head and back.

The other alleged shooter was arrested after receiving treatment for injuries he sustained during the incident.

Williams was publicly identified as a suspect three days later, with City Councilman Kenyatta Johnson and state Sen. Anthony Williams announcing a $5,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.