What started as an argument led to the unfortunate death of Lansing man, Willie Calvin Williamson. This fatal shooting occurred on February 23rd outside of a Lansing party store. Lansing Police commented that they performed CPR on Williamson until medics arrived taking him to a nearby hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
On Tuesday, February 28th, suspect Billy Castle Wilder was arrested in the Detroit area and transported to Lansing Police Detention facility. He was charged on one count of homicide and three counts of weaponry.
The city of Lansing is one of the most dangerous cities in America out of the top 100 most dangerous cities in the U.S.A according to Neighborhood Scout.
Lansing is also found to have one of the highest violent crime rates in the nation. However, NeighborhoodScout’s analysis shows that the rate of property crime is higher, where a chance of being a victim is one in 32 whereas to violent crimes are one in 86.
Lansing police are aware of the cities dangers and want to inform the public that they always are doing their best to make Lansing a safe and welcoming city. In 2015 police chief Mike Yankowski said he has seen Lansing violent crimes drop more than a third over the past 25 years and that police are pushing initiatives to reduce crime.
Initiatives like holding events to persuade the community to become more involved with neighborhood watch. The Community Services Office (CSO) provides support and resources to Lansing residents/businesses like, safety tips, monitors false alarms, and surveys. The CSO has also sponsored many events encouraging neighborhood participation and awareness like school assemblies, fairs, Halloween events, parades, and baseball games.
The unfortunate murder of Willie Calvin Williamson has started Lansing’s new year off on a negative note. However, police are determined to make a better and safer Lansing.
Lansing police say to always call 911 in the case of an emergency or even in the case of curiosity. Always better to be safe than sorry and stay up to date on Lansing’s crimes by following them on social media.
