Michael Williams, a 44-year-old black man, of Grinnell, Iowa, was burned near Kellogg in Jasper County, a mostly white town. Some believe this man, who is referred to as a gentle giant, was the target of a hate crime and his mother wants justice for her son. She says he was a good man and a good father. Michael Williams burning corpse was found about 5:30 p.m. Wednesday north of Kellogg in the 8100 block of North 67th Avenue East, according to KCCI.
Grinnell College, a liberal arts college, closed on Monday in response to the violence. UPDATE: 4 people are in custody. Though the killers are white, police say they could not “see” evidence of Michael Williams’ death being related to his race.
“Hello Everyone, On September 11th or 12th my son, Michael Williams, 44, was brutally murdered in Grinnell, Iowa. As if taking his life was not bad enough, on September 16th the perpetrators of this crime moved his body to Jasper County, dumped him on the side of the road, then set his body on fire. Our family is thankful for the concerned citizen that noticed the fire and called 911. We are thankful that authorities were able to make positive identification. Please help me bring my son home to his birthplace, Syracuse, New York for a proper Homegoing Services and burial. Mike was a big man!”
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