Homicide suspected in death of City College student
By Fleur Bailey
The Guardsman
Police are investigating the death of 47-year-old City College student Alycia Williams after she was found in her Leahy Street apartment in Redwood City Feb. 9 with multiple stab wounds.
The San Mateo coroners office has not yet determined an official cause of death, but police are treating the incident as a homicide.
“She was stabbed to death, there is no question,” said Redwood City Police Captain Ron Matuszak. “We do not have any suspects at this point, but we are trying to track down people who knew her.”
According to the Mental Health Association of San Mateo County Web site, Williams had suffered with chronic depression and post traumatic stress most of her life. She had been homeless and was in recovery from drug and alcohol abuse. Williams moved into the MHA Spring Street Shelter in 2006 and later transitioned into independent living.
On Oct. 9, 2007, Williams was one of the first two recipients of the House Our People Effectively Leadership Awards. At that time she had marked one full year clean and sober, was attending City College to pursue a degree in psychology and had goals of becoming certified by the California Association for Alcohol and Drug Educators program to work with women.
Until spring last year, Williams had also worked for the Way-Pass program through City College, supporting women coming out of the Criminal Justice system by connecting them with resources to achieve their educational goals.
Leslie Simon, chair of women’s studies at City College said Williams was enrolled in the drug and alcohol studies program and had attended classes this semester.
“It is very sad what has happened,” she said.
Matuszak said it has been confirmed that Williams was still associated with people involved in drugs and alcohol, although he was not able to comment on the extent or nature of that association.
“There is often a relapse among people who use drugs,” he said. “It is more common than not, even if they have previously been successful.”
No evidence made public suggests that Williams had relapsed.
Matuszak said the police need people who are willing to talk to them, and are encouraging anyone with information to come forward.
“There are a number of people who do not want to talk to us,” he said. “But we do have a team of detectives working on this, and we are looking down many avenues.”
Williams’ body was found at 4:28 p.m. after family members were concerned because they had not been in contact with her for several days.
Sergeant Dan Mulholland of the Redwood City Police said Williams’ family is cooperating with the police and they are exchanging information.
“It is a very unfortunate occurrence,” Mulholland said. “We hope to conclude the investigation as soon as possible.”
Anyone with any information concerning the death of Alycia Williams should contact Detective Steven Fine of the Redwood City Police Department at (650) 780-7100.