Peoria Standard

August 2, 2024, Peoria, IL – Shamari R. Williams, 27, was sentenced to 70 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for the murder of his two-year-old daughter, Emorri Green. The incident occurred in early 2022.

During the sentencing hearing, a forensic pathologist testified that Emorri had patterned bruising and abrasions consistent with abuse on her face, chest, and torso. Many of these bruises were overlapping injuries with a rectangular pattern indicative of belt use. Emorri also suffered several internal injuries including brain bleeding, liver lacerations, and contusions on her lungs and pancreas.

When interviewed by police, Williams admitted to spanking the child 15-20 times with a belt for urinating on the living room couch. However, the pathologist stated that Emorri’s internal injuries could only have been caused by significant force such as a punch or kick.

Emorri's mother addressed Williams during the hearing while holding up a smiling picture of her daughter. She called him pathetic and expressed that Emorri did not deserve such betrayal from someone who was supposed to protect her.

Assistant State’s Attorney Donna Cruz argued for the maximum sentence stating that Emorri’s last moments were nightmarish and caused by her father. Chief Judge Katherine Gorman described this case as one of the saddest she had ever seen and told Williams: “To say you failed is an understatement.”

In May, Williams pleaded guilty to First Degree Murder and will serve his entire sentence without parole.