A 55-year-old man is now in police custody after the body of 31-year-old Yazmeen Williams was discovered inside a sleeping bag in Kips Bay last week. The medical examiner confirmed that Williams was shot in the head, and her death has been officially ruled a homicide.
Chad Irish, the man arrested, faces multiple charges, including concealment of a corpse, criminal possession of a weapon, and menacing. While he hasn’t been charged with Williams’ murder, the investigation is ongoing.
The discovery of Williams’ body has left the community in Kips Bay outraged. A crowd gathered Monday evening, shouting “murderer” as police escorted Irish from his home on an EMS gurney. Video footage captured tense moments as the crowd surrounded Irish, shouting and even hitting the man as police pulled him to an ambulance.
Irish’s criminal record is extensive, with 21 prior arrests dating back to the early ’90s. His most recent stint in prison ended with a parole release in July 2022 after a robbery in the Bronx.
Family and friends of Yazmeen Williams are mourning their loss, creating a makeshift memorial in her honor. Williams is fondly remembered by her family, who described her as a beautiful, sweet, college-educated woman who aspired to advocate for women and fight for justice.
“She was beautiful, she was sweet, she was college-educated, she was just a good person,” said Nisha Ramirez, the victim’s aunt.
