Jacksonville, FL — UPDATE: 11/12/19 6:00 PM:
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office says the mother of missing 5-year-old Taylor Williams has been arrested on felony charges of child neglect and giving false information to investigators.
JSO Sheriff Mike Williams says 27-year-old Brianna Williams has been absentee booked into jail, after being admitted to a local hospital following an apparent overdose. He says Brianna Williams is currently in serious condition.
As for the human remains found in Alabama, Sheriff Williams says early indications are that this may be Taylor Williams, but an exact identification will require further forensic analysis.
State Attorney Melissa Nelson says despite the arrest, this investigation is far from over.
"Obviously, at this time, many questions still loom and our office's work is just beginning. The information we have is, frankly, staggering and the legal implications complicated. This will require the systematic investigation of every piece of information," says Nelson.
When asked whether any other people were involved in this case, JSO says they will continue to investigate every lead. Currently, police say no one else is in custody.
Police are also not yet giving any information on how long that they believe Taylor Williams has been missing.
If you have information on this case, you are still urged to reach out to the sheriff's office.
WATCH LIVE: JSO update on missing 5-year-old Taylor Wiliams' case after remains were found in Alabama during search. Sources say the missing girl's mother is in the hospital. https://bit.ly/2rwwXvl
Posted by Action News Jax on Tuesday, November 12, 2019
BREAKING RECAP: (1) #BriannaWilliams, mom of missing 5yo #Taylor Williams arrested & charged with felony child neglect & lying to police. Mother at hospital after apparent overdose. (2) #JSO says remains they believe are Taylor found in Alabama,waiting on official confirmation. pic.twitter.com/B5QzUWlSoc
— Tenikka Smith Hughes (@TenikkaANjax) November 12, 2019
NEW: @JSOPIO booking info for #TaylorWilliams' mother, Brianna, 27. You can see she has two charges for felony child neglect, one charge for giving false info. to police & a $1.1 MILLION bond. JSO said she was in serious condition at the hospital after an apparent overdose. pic.twitter.com/INSNeb4RVH
— Russell Colburn (@RussellANjax) November 13, 2019
UPDATE: 11/12/19 1:00 PM:
The Demopolis Police Department in Alabama says human remains have been uncovered in a wooded area between the cities of Linden and Demopolis.
This area has been the focus of the search in recent days for missing 5-year-old Taylor Williams. Demopolis police say victim identification on these remains is pending at this time.
Demopolis police say the search effort in that area was a massive operation and included both Alabama agencies and multiple units out of Jacksonville, including the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, Jacksonville Fire and Rescue, as well as the State Attorney's Office.
Demopolis police say JSO will await confirmation as forensics tests are completed. It adds that operational efforts will now shift to secure and process the evidence at the scene.
Taylor Williams was first reported missing on November 6th. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office named her mother, Brianna Williams, a person of interest during a press conference on Monday.
ALABAMA SEARCH UPDATE DEMOPOLIS, AL (November, 12, 2019) - The multi-agency investigative team involved in the search...
Posted by Demopolis Police Department on Tuesday, November 12, 2019
BREAKING - Human remains found in Alabama in search for missing 5-year-old #TaylorWilliams. Forensic tests will have to be done to confirm the identity @ActionNewsJax @WOKVNews @CBSNews @CBSEveningNews https://t.co/jNUVK0XsFA
— Tenikka Smith Hughes (@TenikkaANjax) November 12, 2019
We found the site that looks to be where remains were found. There are three blue tents off of a dirt road. It is miles off of a main road . @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/yTnwyAWe3X
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) November 12, 2019
Just in: Two sources say remains found in Demopolis AL, were found in a plastic garbage bag. Count on @ActionNewsJax for the latest information in the search for 5-year-old Taylor Williams. https://t.co/VcLAEaV2kP pic.twitter.com/FSRRWXQC8Z
— Paige Kelton (@PaigeANjax) November 12, 2019
3 Sources tell @ActionNewsJax Brianna Williams was found unconscious at NAS Jax and is now at UF Health. This just hours after human remains were found in Demopolis AL, in the search for her missing 5-year old daughter Taylor. https://t.co/XLMw5pRTMn
— Paige Kelton (@PaigeANjax) November 12, 2019
UPDATE 11/12/19 10:00 AM:
Action News Jax Reporter Bridgette Matter reports from Demopolis, Alabama, where JSO and JFRD crews have gathered in the search.
JFRD units in Demopolis, Alabama assisting in the search for #TaylorWilliams @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/87yVJO0GHb
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) November 12, 2019
JSO at the sports complex, we are standing by for a possible news conference.... Marengo county said this morning there would be one. Demopolis PD and JSO say they have no plans as of yet to hold one. pic.twitter.com/iasMi0IXT4
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) November 12, 2019
JSO and Demopolis both say they don't have a presser planned as of yet but cannot speak for other agencies involved. https://t.co/jlQ4bY59Tq
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) November 12, 2019
UPDATE 11/11/19 2:00 PM:
Jacksonville Police now consider the mother of missing 5-year-old Taylor Williams a person of interest in the case as the search for the missing girl is expanding. Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams says Taylor’s mother Brianna still isn’t cooperating in the investigation and she hasn’t talked to police since last Wednesday.
“We still need her cooperation in our efforts.” Sheriff Williams says.
JSO also is asking for some different information in their search. Police say if you’ve seen Taylor and her mother Brianna together anywhere between Jacksonville and Alabama in the last two weeks to give them a call. They believe Brianna was driving her 2017 Black Honda Accord that had tinted windows and black rims.
Search efforts are also moving to Alabama. Sheriff Williams says resources from JSO and Jacksonville Fire and Rescue are heading to the Demopolis area in the western part of the state to help with search efforts there.
Sheriff Williams is still hopeful they will find Taylor alive.
Sheriff names mother a person of interest in search of Taylor Williams -- asking for anyone who has seen Brianna Williams with Taylor in her black Accord in the last two weeks. MORE: https://bit.ly/2Czu1jY
Posted by Action News Jax on Monday, November 11, 2019
If you have seen this vehicle between Jacksonville, FL and Alabama, please contact #JSO at 904-630-0500. The vehicle is described as a black 2017 Honda Accord displaying Florida Tag QNBRI. #FindTaylorWilliams https://t.co/rIhT3iOAUt pic.twitter.com/OhlyXIRTKT
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) November 11, 2019
UPDATE: 11/7/19 4:00 PM:
As the search continues for missing 5-year-old Taylor Williams, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office says more than 300 of their officers have responded to help, knocking on more than 600 doors in the last 30 hours, in hopes of getting any information.
Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams says Taylor's mother, Brianna Williams, was initially cooperating with the investigation, but since then he says she has stopped cooperating.
Sheriff Williams says Brianna Williams stopped cooperating, when detectives were trying to talk with her about some 'inconsistencies' in her statement. He did not elaborate on what those included.
"Here's what we know: We know that Brianna Williams was the last person to see Taylor and we need for her to cooperate with us in this investigation. So, we remain hopeful that we will find Taylor. We're not going to stop in our efforts to locate her," says Sheriff Williams.
Sheriff Williams says the sheriff's office has received hundreds of tips from the community in the search for Taylor, but they specifically want anyone that has seen Brianna and Taylor Williams together in Jacksonville within the last 6 months to reach out.
He also confirmed that JSO is working with law enforcement in Alabama, but would not comment on the nature of that.
Without any new information, Sheriff Williams says search efforts in the Brentwood area and the Southside area will be winding down, but not stopping.
At this time, he says Taylor's mother is not facing any charges and is not in custody.
Sheriff Williams: If you have seen Brianna Williams with Taylor Williams in #Jacksonville in the past six months, please call #JSO at 904-630-0500 or email JSOCrimeTips@jaxsheriff.org. #FindTaylorWilliams pic.twitter.com/rSDHwYSRKH
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) November 7, 2019
"My hope is that we find her alive." Sheriff Mike Williams says they won't stop looking for 5-year-old Taylor Rose Williams. Anyone who has seen Taylor and her mother Brianna together in the last 6 months is asked to call 911. @ActionNewsJax https://t.co/oBJGmKbavB
— Paige Kelton (@PaigeANjax) November 7, 2019
Taylor Williams may have been missing for up to 6 months. JSO asks anyone who has seen Brianna Williams with her 5-year-old daughter recently to call 911. The Navy Petty Officer is no longer cooperating with the investigation according to JSO. https://t.co/rEhLGrQ8av pic.twitter.com/1jhfDJsxMZ
— Paige Kelton (@PaigeANjax) November 7, 2019
"If we had any evidence, we would arrest her (Brianna Williams)." Sheriff Mike Williams on evidence gathered so far in 5-year-olds disappearance. @ActionNewsJax https://t.co/DeiRjav1Of
— Paige Kelton (@PaigeANjax) November 7, 2019
UPDATE 11/7/19 11:00 AM: Search efforts continue after Taylor Rose Williams was reported missing by her mother in their Brentwood home on the northside. The 5-year-old is the subject of statewide AMBER Alert.
Taylor was last seen in the area of the 600 Block of Ivy Street. She was last seen wearing purple and pink short-sleeve pajamas. Taylor is 3 feet tall and 50 lbs. She has brown eyes and black hair. If you see her, call 911 or the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office at (904) 630-0500.
#NEW: Taylor Williams' grandfather just sent @ActionNewsJax these pictures of the missing 5-year-old -- get a good look and keep an eye out today. pic.twitter.com/stEt88CoS0
— Beth Rousseau (@BethANJax) November 7, 2019
It has been more than 24 hours since police say Taylor Williams' mother saw her at their home in Brentwood. I'm LIVE at the house with @LetishaANjax -- we'll tell you the efforts that have been going on while you were asleep AT 5 on @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/QDXiuYsFmC
— Beth Rousseau (@BethANJax) November 7, 2019
Overnight and into this morning a massive search underway to find 5 year-old Taylor Williams.
— Letisha Bereola (@LetishaANjax) November 7, 2019
We have live team coverage on the search. I'm with @BethANJax covering every angle in Brentwood where she was last seen. @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/fGMAyoRDL8
Updates on the search for 5-year-old Taylor Williams around the clock on @WOKVNews. Listen live: https://t.co/gFq205sZK8#AmberAlert #FindTaylor @ActionTraffic @ActionNewsJax @JSOPIO @fdlepio pic.twitter.com/fdy7P0BATe
— Rich Jones (@RichJonesJax) November 7, 2019
JSO is keeping a close eye on the house where investigators say Taylor Williams was last seen by her mother more than 24 hours ago. @ActionNewsJax @WOKVNews pic.twitter.com/L2lKZDMiis
— Beth Rousseau (@BethANJax) November 7, 2019
Over the last 4 hours we’ve seen @JSOPIO cruisers come and go at the Southside Villas Apartment Complex where 5yo Taylor and her mother recently lived @ActionNewsJax @WOKVNews pic.twitter.com/MeYUUuQnci
— Alicia Tarancon (@AliciaANJax) November 7, 2019
UPDATE 11/6/19 6:00 PM: The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office says it plans to search through the night for missing 5-year-old Taylor Rose Williams, who is at the center of an AMBER Alert.
Police say their search is focused on two locations, including Williams’ home in Brentwood where her mother says she was last seen, as well as an apartment complex on Southside Boulevard where they used to live.
“We’re hoping she’s not alone. We hope that if she is with a family member or a friend, we’re begging, we’re asking that you would reach out to us at (904) 630- 0500, 911. Just give us a call and let us know that Taylor is safe,” said JSO Chief T.K. Waters, during a 5:15 PM press conference on Wednesday.
JSO says at this point in time, they have nearly 200 of their officers involved in the search with help from the FDLE, the FBI, mounted units, drone units, and their air unit.
Police say Williams’ mother is cooperating with the investigation.
BREAKING: #JSO Chief T.K. Waters says because of her age and they have not found her they are concerned. Mom has been downtown with police since this morning. @ActionNewsJax @WOKVNews
— Tenikka Smith Hughes (@TenikkaANjax) November 6, 2019
BREAKING: #JSO Chief T.K. Waters says they have been in touch with father who is out to state. When asked, he did not say if anyone else was in the home where Taylor was reported missing. @ActionNewsJax @WOKVNews
— Tenikka Smith Hughes (@TenikkaANjax) November 6, 2019
JSO says 5 year old Taylor Williams mother has been at JSO HQ since this morning and she is there now.
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) November 6, 2019
Please share this information, Taylor has not been seen since last night. pic.twitter.com/zeskJQAmww
This is the house police were told that 5-year-old was last seen at.
— Brittney Verner (@BrittneyVerner) November 6, 2019
We’re live with team coverage on @ActionNewsJax with the latest updates in the investigation. @RussellANjax @ChristyANJax @bridgetteANjax @AmberANjax pic.twitter.com/8ADo125TBG
I’m where police took a dumpster — it was removed from the former property where the missing girl lived with her mom.
— Amber Krycka (@AmberANjax) November 6, 2019
Police say it’s part of a thorough investigation. They say they are looking at all angles pic.twitter.com/6RqbL3IfjY
ORIGINAL STORY: The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is searching for 5-year-old Taylor Rose Williams in the Brentwood area on the northside. Taylor was reported missing from a home on Ivy Street. She was wearing a purple shirt and pink pajama pants and no shoes.
According to police, Taylor was last seen in her home around Midnight. But she was not found in her room this morning and the back door was unlocked.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement issued an AMBER Alert just past 11 am. To activate an AMBER alert the following five (5) criteria must be met:
-The child must be under 18 years of age.
-There must be a clear indication of an abduction.
-The law enforcement agency's preliminary investigation must conclude that the child's life is in danger.
-There must be a detailed description of child, abductor and/or vehicle to broadcast to the public.
-The activation must be recommended by the local law enforcement agency of jurisdiction.
Call 904-630-0500 immediately with information about Taylor Rose Williams. This is a developing story, refresh for updates.
#FindTaylor - I hope this little girl is found safe soon!!! https://t.co/7y67S180eN
— Tenikka Smith Hughes (@TenikkaANjax) November 6, 2019
***B.O.L.O*** #JSO actively searching for missing 5 year old near 600 Ivy Street, Taylor Rose Williams, 3'0/50 lbs, wearing purple shirt/pink pajama pants. Call 904-630-0500 immediately with information. pic.twitter.com/sjlnOQVWEa
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) November 6, 2019
Please Share this Post!
— FDLE (@fdlepio) November 6, 2019
A Florida Missing Child Alert has been issued for 5-year-old Taylor Williams out of Jacksonville, Florida. If you have information about the whereabouts of this child, please contact the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office at 904-630-0500 or 911. pic.twitter.com/p4d0zOQJCb
A source tells @ActionNewsJax that police are searching for a missing child. We spotted @JSOPIO helicopter over the Brentwood neighborhood. pic.twitter.com/yz9JbYdpM8
— Alicia Tarancon (@AliciaANJax) November 6, 2019