Columbia Police continues to investigate 1989 cold case homicide of Carolyn Williams

January 1, 2021 will mark the 32nd anniversary of the unsolved homicide of Carolyn Williams, 44, of Columbia. Williams was found murdered in a residence on Unity Drive on January 1, 1989. 

During the last year, the Columbia Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division reopened the case and continues to investigate. The decision was made to re-examine evidence that had been recovered during the investigation in 1989 and send what was applicable for advanced forensic testing using technological advancements that have occurred in this field over the last 32 years. 

"It is very difficult anytime someone is murdered," said Assistant Chief Jeremiah Hunter. "The family needs answers about why their loved one’s life was ended.  The Columbia Police Department owes it to the victim, the victim’s family and the community to find the person or persons responsible for taking the life of another," Hunter said. "We will continue to investigate this case and follow up on all leads as long as it takes to bring closure to the family."

Columbia Police asks anyone with information regarding this case to contact the Police Department at 573.874.7652 or CrimeStoppers at 573.875.TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.

Case number 1989-000036