NV NV-Arthur Williams Jr.,3, outside when approached by stranger & fatally struck on the head w. a folding knife, Las Vegas, 15 April, 1985, *New sketch*

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By: Stephanie Aceves, Dec 23, 2025 rbbm.

Cold case: LVMPD searching for suspect in 1985 killing of 3-year-old

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is asking for the public's help in finding the suspect connected to a cold case that occurred 40 years ago.

www.ktnv.com

''On April 15, 1985, 3-year-old Arthur Williams Jr. was murdered while playing outside with his 5-year-old sister at a Las Vegas apartment complex near present-day Strat.''

''Police say that the suspect told Williams Jr. that he was going to "kill him and hurt him" when he approached the child and struck him on the head with a folding knife.''
'The suspect was described as a white male adult wearing a white button-down shirt and blue jeans.''

 

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Dec 23, 2025
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is asking for the public's help in finding the suspect connected to a cold case that occurred 40 years ago.

Jan 10, 2025 The Badge and Beyond: Inside the World of LVMPD
Retired Homicide Lieutenant Jason Johansson joins us to revisit the heartbreaking unsolved 1985 murder of 3-year-old Arthur Williams Jr., who was fatally attacked outside his apartment, as we explore the chilling details and the enduring quest for justice.If you or anybody you know has any information that could assist in resolving this case. Please contact us at LVMPD Homicide at 702-828-3521, via e-mail at [email protected] or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555.

 

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https://www.lvmpd.com/about/bureaus/homicide/open-cases-by-year/1980-1989

Case #: 85-52711

Victim: Arthur Williams Jr., 3
Suspect: Unknown
Location:217 W. New York (The York Apartments)
Date: April 15, 1985, approximately 6 p.m.

Synopsis: On the evening of April 15, 1985, at approximately 6pm, Arthur and his 5-year-old sister were playing outside of their apartment. A white male adult was sitting on a wall near the sidewalk on W. New York. Arthur’s sister heard the male say, “I’m going to kill you. I’m going to hurt you.”

The suspect hopped off the wall, pulled a folding knife out of his pocket and approached Arthur. The suspect unfolded the knife, walked up to Arthur, and swung one-time striking Arthur in the head. The suspect then ran down an alley off W. New York. Arthur was transported to a local hospital where he died from the stab wound to his head.

The murder was only witnessed by Arthur’s sister. The suspect was described as a white male adult, wearing a white button shirt, and blue jeans. Arthur’s sister stated she had never seen the suspect in the area before.

REVIEW: Police document

READ: News Articles from 1985

LISTEN: The Badge and Beyond: Inside the World of LVMPD Unsolved: A Child's Life Cut Short in 1985

Suspect sketch:

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com