CHICAGO — The murder of 19-year-old DeMarie’ Williams in her South Shore apartment last fall continues to reverberate across the city, as her story becomes a devastating example of Chicago’s worsening domestic violence crisis.
Williams, a vibrant nursing student, was allegedly beaten and suffocated by her boyfriend, Lemark Martin, after months of escalating abuse. Her tragic death came without warning to friends or family — and without a call to police or an order of protection on record.
Her story, which until now received little media coverage, illustrates what advocates say is a chilling reality: domestic violence homicides are rising, and many victims suffer in silence — without ever reaching the legal system for help.
‘She Kept It Quiet’: A Young Life Silenced Too Soon
DeMarie’ and her younger sister, DeMya, were inseparable. They shared a room growing up, traded secrets, and even got matching tattoos that read “My Sister’s Keeper” and “My Sister’s Protector.” But even DeMya didn’t know the full extent of her sister’s abuse.
“She could have told more people. She could have left a paper trail. There could’ve been interventions,” DeMya told reporters. “But she kept a lot of it quiet, even from me.”
In August 2024, DeMya noticed a bruise under her sister’s eye. It was the first visible sign. A month later, DeMarie’ was dead.
Prosecutors allege Martin beat and headbutted her repeatedly during a fight after a family birthday celebration. She died hours later on the floor of his South Shore apartment.
A Crisis in Plain Sight
DeMarie’s death was one of 24 domestic violence homicides reported in Chicago this year — a 33% increase from last year. Since the start of the pandemic, experts say Chicago has seen a sustained surge in domestic abuse cases, with many going unreported until it’s too late.
Most victims, like DeMarie’, never file police reports or request protective orders. A CBS News analysis found that only 25% of protective orders in Cook County were successfully served between 2021 and 2023.
According to The Network Advocating Against Domestic Violence, calls to the Illinois domestic violence hotline have surged — from just over 10,000 in 2019 to more than 16,000 in 2023.
A System Stretched Too Thin
Chicago’s support system for survivors is under growing pressure. Family Rescue, the largest domestic violence shelter on the South Side, operates 36 beds — almost always at capacity — and has a waitlist of up to six months for counseling.
“We’re working with limited staff and limited funds to serve an overwhelming need,” said Joyce Coffee, executive director of Family Rescue. “Prevention is underfunded, and intervention resources are stretched to the breaking point.”
Adding to the strain are looming federal budget cuts. Up to 40% of funding for local services like Family Rescue comes from the federal government. If that dries up, critical support programs may be shuttered.
A City’s Push for Change — And Its Limits
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration recently launched a pilot program allowing domestic violence survivors in public housing to transfer units without losing their vouchers. The goal is to remove housing as a barrier to leaving abusive situations.
Still, city leaders admit more must be done. The city’s $21 million gender-based violence budget is expected to be cut in half next year due to the expiration of pandemic-era funding. Advocates fear this will further limit access to legal services, counseling, and safe housing.
“People need to believe that if they leave, there will be support — housing, legal aid, protection,” said Benna Crawford of Legal Aid Chicago. “Right now, we’re sending the opposite message.”
Remembering DeMarie’
Described as “Black Barbie” by friends for her style and personality, DeMarie’ was beloved for her humor, her love of makeup, and her big heart. She was working toward a nursing certificate and considering a career in law.
A balloon release in March 2025 marked six months since her murder. Dozens gathered near the spot where she died, remembering her as “real,” “selfless,” and “the glue of the family.”
“She’s never gonna be forgotten,” her aunt shouted as the family watched pink and green balloons rise into the night sky.
Need Help?
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline at 877-863-6338. Help is confidential and available 24/7.Have you or someone you know struggled to access domestic violence resources in Chicago? Share your experience or voice support for increased funding by commenting below or visiting ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
