Contract Killer who Murdered 4 People in 9 Months Learns his Fate

A Pennsylvania man has been sentenced to more than 40 years in prison for his involvement in a violent murder spree that left four men dead in Philadelphia in less than a year. Steven M. Williams, 30, pleaded guilty in December to multiple charges, including three counts of murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Williams’ crimes were described as calculated and financially motivated. According to state prosecutors, he acted as a contract killer, receiving payment for each murder he committed between late 2018 and mid-2019.

Four Murders Tied to Contract Killing Scheme

Investigators say Williams participated in four separate killings, all of which took place in various Philadelphia neighborhoods:

• William Crawford, 35, was shot on September 8, 2018, in the 1900 block of Hartel Avenue.

• Jermaine Simmons, 39, was killed on February 10, 2019, in the 7500 block of Forest Avenue in West Oak Lane.

• Richard Isaac, 31, was gunned down on March 25, 2019, in the 100 block of East Meehan Street in Mount Airy.

• Leslie Carroll, reportedly 39 years old according to prosecutors, was murdered on May 4, 2019, at 20th Street and Girard Avenue in Fairmount. (Some earlier reports and obituaries had Carroll’s age listed as 46.)

Authorities noted that Williams was paid thousands of dollars for carrying out the killings, each one planned and executed in cold blood.

Attorney General: “A Paid Killer Without Remorse”

Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry condemned Williams in a statement following his guilty plea, describing him as a threat to public safety and lacking any remorse. “This defendant callously took lives, for dollars, as a paid killer,” Henry said. “He is without a doubt a danger to society, and we will be asking the court for a sentence that ensures that the community is protected.” Her office worked closely with the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office and law enforcement to build the case against Williams and bring justice to the families of the victims.

Investigation Led to Arrest in 2020

Williams was arrested in 2020 after a detailed investigation led by the Philadelphia Police Department. District Attorney Larry Krasner emphasized the significance of the arrest, calling it the end of a violent chapter in the city’s recent history. “His streak of wanton, violent crimes against our communities over the past two-plus years ends today,” Krasner stated. “I would like to thank the Philadelphia Police Department for their investigation and my office’s Homicide Unit for moving forward with this case.” Despite delays in court proceedings due to COVID-19-related closures, prosecutors pushed forward to ensure that Williams would face accountability. With his sentencing now complete, the city hopes to bring a sense of closure to the families who have spent years mourning their loved ones.