“Police Report: Abuse by Foster Mother Leads to Teen’s Tragic Death”

Last week, an Illinois courtroom saw “horrifying” cellphone footage showing a woman laughing and taunting her 18-year-old foster daughter as the teen lay dying at the bottom of a staircase, as reported.

Shemeka Williams, 46, is accused of murdering her foster child, Mackenzi Felmlee, in May 2024 after months of alleged abuse, according to the Fairview Heights Police Department. She faces charges beyond the alleged murder, including aggravated domestic battery and unlawful restraint, following her arrest last week.

Authorities were notified on May 11, 2024, of an unresponsive teen and responded to a residence on Patricia Drive in Fairview Heights, an FHPD release says. They allegedly found Felmlee inside while in the care of Williams and Felmlee”s foster grandmother, Cornelia M. Reid, 64, who is also charged with murder.

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According to local NBC affiliate KSDK, video footage of the alleged aftermath was shown in court Friday as St. Clair County Judge Sara Rice weighed whether to release Williams and Reid at a bond hearing. Felmlee could be heard wheezing while on her back at the bottom of a staircase in Williams’ home; she attempted to extend one of her legs out, as they were both folded inward to her side, but was allegedly stopped by Williams, who pushed the leg back into a folded position, per KSDK.

“She acts like she’s dead,” Williams allegedly says. “She just needs sleep.”

After these comments, the video allegedly shows Williams smacking Felmlee on her chest while lifting her up by her head and upper body. She slumps the teen over into her own lap, still unresponsive and unconscious, before telling her biological daughter — who is underage — to call Reid for help, as she was not present, according to police.

Rice reportedly condemned the footage after it was shown Friday as “horrifying” and ordered Williams to remain detained, along with Reid.

“I heard laughing and narration,” Rice said, after Williams’ defense attorney, Rob Bas, claimed she only ever tried showing “love” to Felmlee.

“It’s anything but love,” the judge blasted.

During the hearing, prosecutors pointed to Williams’ criminal complaint and presented multiple videos showing alleged instances of abuse and psychological torture that Felmlee was forced to endure, according to KSDK. This included alleged attacks with a “whooping stick” and other assaults.

“I am a doof, I hate myself,” Felmlee was allegedly forced to repeat in one clip, while facing a wall. “It is not good to manipulate,” the teen said in another, while allegedly being struck numerous times by Williams with a belt.

“Good job,” the foster mother allegedly replies. “Are you crying?”

Felmlee responds, “No, ma’am.”