It is a chilling question that has haunted the Detroit area and true crime fans for years: was Tamera Renee Williams found after the gruesome 2018 murder of David Carter? The short, unsettling answer is no. As of January 2026, she remains one of the most elusive fugitives in the United States, continuing to evade a massive federal manhunt that has spanned nearly eight years.
Tamera "Tammy" Williams isn't just a "person of interest." She’s on the U.S. Marshals Service's 15 Most Wanted Fugitives list. That’s a heavy designation. It means the government considers her the "worst of the worst." They’ve put a $25,000 bounty on her head. For the family of David Carter, the 39-year-old father whose life was cut short in Melvindale, Michigan, the lack of an arrest is a wound that simply won't close.
The Night Everything Changed in Melvindale
In September 2018, David Carter vanished. One day he was there—a beloved father and hard worker—and the next, he was gone. His family knew something was wrong immediately. David wasn't the type to just ghost his life.
The reality was far worse than anyone imagined.
Days later, a horrific discovery was made along I-75 in Ohio. Investigators found garbage bags. Inside were dismembered remains. DNA confirmed they belonged to David Carter. The brutality was staggering. He had been shot in the head before his body was mutilated.
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Suspicion turned toward his girlfriend, Tamera Williams, almost instantly. Why? Because she disappeared right as the investigation heated up. She didn't just move to another city; she vanished into thin air. By the time the 24th District Court issued a felony warrant for first-degree homicide and tampering with evidence in December 2018, Williams was long gone.
Why Was Tamera Renee Williams Never Found?
Honestly, it's rare for someone to stay off the grid this long in the digital age. Most people slip up. They use a credit card, call a relative, or get pulled over for a broken taillight. But Williams is different.
She has a specific set of skills that make her a "pro" at hiding.
- Medical Knowledge: She is a trained phlebotomist. This means she can likely find under-the-table work in medical clinics or as a caregiver where background checks might be lax.
- Travel Expertise: She worked as a travel agent. She knows how the system works—how to move without leaving a massive paper trail.
- Deep Connections: She was heavily involved with the Order of the Eastern Star. This organization has chapters everywhere, and investigators believe she might be using those social ties to stay hidden.
The U.S. Marshals believe she fled Michigan in October 2018. Since then, there have been "sightings" and tips from Brooklyn to Atlanta, but none have led to handcuffs. She's a "world traveler," according to federal agents, which opens up the terrifying possibility that she isn't even in the country anymore.
Breaking Down the Most Wanted Status
In 2023, the U.S. Marshals Service officially elevated her to the Top 15 list. This was a tactical move. It wasn't just about the $25,000 reward. It was about nationalizing the search. When someone hits this list, every law enforcement agency in the country gets their eyes on the profile.
If you think you've seen her, here is what the authorities want you to look for:
- Height/Weight: She is 5'5" and roughly 190 lbs.
- Distinctive Mark: A large tattoo of roses on her upper left arm/shoulder.
- Style: She is known to change her hair frequently. She could be wearing wigs, braids, or a natural look to throw off people who only know her from the 2018 photos.
People often ask, "Is she dangerous?" The Marshals are blunt: she is considered armed and dangerous. This isn't just legal jargon. It's a warning based on the "heinous, brutal crime" she is accused of committing.
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The Netflix and Media Effect
You might recognize this story from Unsolved Mysteries on Netflix. That episode, which aired in 2022, brought millions of eyes to the case. It also appeared on In Pursuit with John Walsh and America’s Most Wanted.
Usually, this kind of exposure leads to an arrest within weeks. For Tamera Williams, it resulted in a flood of tips, but none of them panned out. It’s like she’s a ghost. The fact that was Tamera Renee Williams found is still a trending search term in 2026 shows just how much this case has stuck in the public consciousness.
What You Should Do If You Have Info
This isn't a movie. David Carter’s son grew up without a father. His family is still waiting for a trial that can’t happen until an arrest is made. If you happen to be in a medical clinic in a different state and see someone who matches the description, or if you're in a travel group and something feels "off" about a new member, don't ignore it.
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The U.S. Marshals have a 24-hour tip line at 1-877-WANTED2. You can also submit tips through the USMS Tips App. You don't have to give your name.
Actionable Steps for the Public
- Memorize the Tattoo: The roses on the left shoulder are her most permanent identifying mark.
- Look Beyond the Face: Fugitives change their hair and weight. Focus on her height and that specific tattoo.
- Check Medical Settings: If you work in healthcare, be aware of "traveling" phlebotomists or clinic staff who seem to have no verifiable history before 2018.
- Share the Profile: The only way she gets caught is if her face stays in front of people. Use social media to keep the search alive.
The search for Tamera Renee Williams is one of the most active fugitive investigations in the country. While she hasn't been caught yet, the "relentless" pursuit by federal agents continues daily. Every tip brings them one step closer to finding the woman accused of one of Detroit's most brutal crimes.