A disturbing cellphone video shown in an Illinois courtroom last week exposed the tragic final moments of 18-year-old Mackenzi Felmlee, who was allegedly murdered by her foster mother, Shemeka Williams, 46. The footage, which was played during Williams’ bond hearing, shows Felmlee lying unresponsive at the bottom of a staircase, while Williams is heard laughing and taunting the dying teen. The case has shocked the local community and raised questions about the extent of abuse Felmlee endured before her death.
The Murder and Alleged Abuse
The events leading to Felmlee’s death unfolded on May 11, 2024, when authorities were called to a home on Patricia Drive in Fairview Heights. They found Felmlee unresponsive, lying at the bottom of a staircase inside the home, where she was under the care of Williams and her foster grandmother, Cornelia M. Reid, 64. Both women have been charged with murder.
According to reports, the chilling video footage presented in court shows Felmlee struggling for breath as she lay unconscious. Despite her apparent suffering, Williams allegedly mocked the teen, saying “She acts like she’s dead. She just needs sleep,” while pushing Felmlee’s leg back into a folded position. The video then shows Williams smacking Felmlee’s chest, lifting her head and upper body, and slumping her over into her lap, all while still unresponsive.
Alleged Abuse and Psychological Torture
Prosecutors presented additional evidence during the bond hearing, showing multiple videos of abuse that Felmlee allegedly endured at the hands of Williams. In one video, Felmlee is seen being forced to repeat degrading statements like, “I am a doof, I hate myself.” Another clip allegedly shows Williams striking Felmlee with a belt while the teen says, “It is not good to manipulate.” Williams responds coldly, “Good job. Are you crying?” Felmlee denies crying.
The prosecution also revealed disturbing text messages and further evidence of physical and psychological abuse. In an August 2023 message, Williams allegedly admitted to assaulting Felmlee, stating, “I was whooping her a—. She’s pretending to have bulimia.” One particularly horrific incident in March 2024 involved Williams allegedly forcing Felmlee to wear soiled underwear inside a medical mask as a form of punishment.
Williams’ Defense
During the bond hearing, Williams’ defense attorney, Rob Bas, argued that while Williams may have been tough on Felmlee, it was in the manner of a coach disciplining a player. He referred to footage that showed Williams making Felmlee face a sign that contained motivational phrases like, “Let it go: Never ruin a good day by thinking about a bad yesterday” and “Smile: Life is short. Enjoy it while you have it.” Bas maintained that Williams is innocent, despite the overwhelming evidence presented in court.
Williams has pleaded not guilty to charges including first-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, aggravated domestic battery, unlawful restraint, and domestic battery. She had been a foster parent for 12 years before the tragic death of Felmlee.
The Impact on the Community
The case has stunned the local community, particularly those who knew Felmlee and the accused. The video footage shown in court was described as “horrifying” by Judge Sara Rice, who condemned Williams’ behavior after the defense attorney claimed that Williams only tried to show “love” to Felmlee. Judge Rice sharply criticized this claim, stating, “It’s anything but love.”
The case is still ongoing, but the evidence presented so far paints a chilling picture of the abuse that Felmlee suffered in the months leading up to her death. The tragic loss of a young life, under the care of those who were supposed to protect her, has left many questioning how such abuse could have gone unnoticed for so long.
