A mother who lost her daughter to an abusive father is pushing for a new law that would help protect children of violent crimes.
In July 2005, Talia Williams died at the hands of her father, Naeem Williams, a former soldier. He was found guilty of her murder last year.
The jury also convicted Naeem Williams of participating, along with his wife, Delilah Williams, in a pattern and practice of assault and torture from December 2004 until July 16, 2005, that resulted in Talia’s death.
Last week, Talia’s biological mother, Tarshia Williams, settled a lawsuit with the U.S. government for $2 million, claiming the military did not report that the couple abused and tortured Talia while living in Hawaii.
Now, she’s pushing for a new law to prevent other families from suffering a similar tragedy.
The Talia Law, or the Talia Williams Child Abuse Notification Act, would require that the military immediately report any child abuse or suspicion of child abuse to state child protective services.
“There were so many people that knew what was going on, that reported up the chain of command what was going on and so many people simply ignored the dangers that this child was in and they lost opportunity after opportunity to rescue this child form this very toxic environment,” said Tarshia Williams’ attorney, Mark Davis.
“I would love for this law to get passed so it can help another child not go through what my daughter went through,” Tarshia Williams said. “I loved her with all my heart. I miss her so much. I wish she was here with me. I wish I could get her back, but I know I can’t.”
Davis said he plans to send letters and documentation to the U.S. Secretary of Defense and Hawaii’s Congressional delegation.
Naeem Williams was sentenced to life in prison in February, narrowly escaping the death penalty.
