Left: Alicia Holloman. Right: Avion Traylor (WJBK/YouTube).
A mother from Michigan and her boyfriend are now facing lengthy prison sentences for the brutal beating death of her 7-year-old son, a case that family members are likening to a “sick, demonic, ritual-like crime.”
Alisha Hollamon, 25, and Avion Traylor, 23, admitted to second-degree murder charges last month in connection with the 2023 killing of Deshawn Williams. As per court documents, Hollamon was sentenced to a prison term ranging from 20 to 40 years, while Traylor received a sentence of 28 to 60 years, according to a report by Detroit’s local Fox station, WJBK.
In the early hours of October 22, 2023, Detroit police were called to a residence on the 3700 block of Hurlbut Street for a suspected case of child abuse. Upon arrival, officers discovered Deshawn with severe wounds, including scars and bruises on his face, back, and chest. He was transported to the hospital, where he was declared deceased.
During the couple’s arraignment, prosecutors informed the court that the boy endured what seemed to be a “nightmare,” according to the Detroit News. The autopsy revealed he died due to blunt force trauma impacting his head and a fractured pelvis.
Assistant Prosecutor Tina Ripley remarked, as reported by the News, “It appeared as if he had been dragged over a coarse surface. The extent of Deshawn’s injuries was horrific, leaving no adequate words to convey the brutality. The evidence shows Deshawn endured a living nightmare.”
Authorities noted that Traylor was responsible for the physical abuse, while Hollamon acted as a bystander. Initially, the pair faced charges of felony murder, first-degree child abuse, and torture. However, under their plea agreement, the latter two charges were dismissed.
During the sentencing, Deshawn’s aunt Krystal Hollamon — Alisha’s sister — directed her ire at Traylor, according to a courtroom report by WJBK. She described her nephew’s death as a “sick, demonic, ritual-like crime” and called Traylor evil, that his mom “gave birth to a demon.”
Wayne County Third Circuit Court Judge Paul Cusick said the case was among the worst he’s ever witnessed in his nearly three decades as judge and criminal defense lawyer. He said he viewed videos where Deshawn was “crying for his life.”
