Deputies: 5-Year-Old's Uncle Admits To Her Murder

An 18-year-old man is being charged in connection with the death of his niece after she was found dead in a garage in southern Highland County.

The body of 5-year-old Jada Williams was discovered just after 12:45 p.m. Sunday, at 897 Flat Run Rd. in Jackson Township. Her body was found in a feed trough meant for animals.

On Monday, detectives said that Williams' uncle, Matthew Pierson, confessed to her murder.

Deputies said that Pierson admitted to killing Williams and described the scythe that he said he used to kill his niece. Authorities said Williams' body appeared to have head trauma.

“She did have visible trauma about her body,” said Highland County Sheriff Ronald Ward.

It was Williams' grandmother who discovered the girl's body and called police. Pierson was also found at the home.

Ward said that the child was in the care of her grandmother who moved into the home with Pierson a few days ago.

Family friend Kimberly Halls said that the news of Williams’ death was shocking.

“It’s sad,” Halls said. “That little girl didn’t deserve to die like that.”

Halls said that she had known Pierson since he was 9.

“He was very ornery,” Halls said. “He was ornery. He didn’t go to school. He defied whatever his mother said. Didn’t do what his mother said.”

Halls said that the 5-year-old was full of life.

“It’s sick. It makes me sick,” Halls said.

Pierson has no criminal record, according to police. They do not know of a motive at this time.

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