Aberdeen, Maryland recorded its first triple homicide when 45-year-old Melissa L. Williams was found shot to death inside an apartment at the Highland Commons complex on April 15, 2024. Firefighters responding to a second-floor blaze discovered Williams and two other victims, John Claytor, 54, and Talaya Wiley, 48, inside after extinguishing the flames. Investigators say all three had gunshot wounds to the head and that the fire had been intentionally set, with evidence suggesting gasoline was used.

Authorities arrested 35-year-old Michael Swann on April 23 after surveillance footage placed him outside the apartment before and after the killings and a backpack near the scene contained items linking him to the crime. DNA from the scene also tied Swann to the three deaths. At the time of the killings, Swann was wanted on an outstanding February 2024 shooting warrant from Prince George’s County and had a federal warrant for parole violations; he is being held without bail at the Harford County Detention Center. The victim’s mother thanked police for their support and communication during the investigation.

Does anyone have information about Melissa Williams, her time at Highland Commons, or contacts who might help fill in her final days?