First-degree murder suspect makes initial appearance

A Coralville woman charged with first-degree murder made an initial appearance in Johnson County District Court this morning.

Police say Lillie Will Williams, 49, of 409 10th Ave., Apt. 3, set a house on fire Sept. 4, leading to the death of 14-year-old Raymone Bryant. The fire occurred around 1 a.m. at 720 11th Ave. in Coralville, a home where her cousin and cousin's husband lived, a criminal complaint indicates.

In her initial appearance, Lillie Williams told the judge she was innocent.  She said the charge is "all false information."

21-year-old Kavier Williams,Lillie's daughter and Ramone Bryant's cousin, says her mother's arrest only adds to the anguish over Ramone's death.  Williams insists her mother is innocent.

VIDEO of family members: (story continues below video)

A witness identified Williams as the person who set the fire, a criminal complaint states. Williams had intent to damage or destroy the home and was aware people were home at the time, police records show.

An orange fence lines the house where the fire occurred, just a few blocks from where Williams lived.  Neighbors say investigators have spent a great deal of time on the property in recent weeks.  No one has lived in the house since the fire and little has changed since firefighters put out the final hot spot in early September.  A board remains over the front door, and many of the windows remain broken.

Coralville Police Chief Barry Bedford was not available for comment late Wednesday night.

If convicted, Williams faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.