Cause of death confirmed
The medical examiner’s office performed autopsies on the children on Feb. 11. It was during these procedures that the children were discovered to have elevated levels of carbon monoxide in the lungs of the two children.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can induce flu-like symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, weakness, confusion, shortness of breath, and chest pain. In extreme cases, it will cause seizures, loss of consciousness, respiratory failure, and death.
According to a police report, the van lost heat while parked in a garage belonging to Greektown’s Hollywood Casino.
Williams parked the van in the garage around 1:00 a.m. on Feb 10. She realized around noon that Darnell wasn’t breathing, at which time she called a family member.
It was discovered shortly thereafter that A’millah was also unresponsive.
The children were taken straight to the Children’s Hospital, where they were pronounced dead shortly after they arrived.
Williams asked for help
Dr. Asha Shajahan, a Corewell Health primary care physician and specialist in homeless medicine, told The Detroit News that carbon monoxide poisoning resulting from a running car parked inside a garage is possible, albeit very uncommon.
Williams claimed she made several attempts to secure housing for her family before the tragedies occurred.
Records indicated she contacted Detroit’s homeless shelter intake service, most recently in Nov. 2024. The shelter said they were offered but did not accept shelter.
“I've been asking for help,” Williams told WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) shortly after deaths were reported. “I feel like it wasn't their time. I did everything I was supposed to do.”
The Detroit Police Department confirmed it received the autopsy from the medical examiner’s office. Williams, who was initially detained, has not been charged with any wrongdoing, although the police are continuing a full-fledged investigation.
Terra Linzner, a Homelessness Solutions director for Detroit’s Housing and Revitalization Department, said in a statement that anyone can reach out on behalf of themselves, their family, or another individual via the Homeless Outreach Request on the city website.
The website also contains a list of warming centers.
