A mother has been arrested following the deaths of her two young children, ages 9 and 2, from suspected hypothermia after the family spent the night in a van inside the parking garage of the Hollywood Casino Hotel at Greektown in Detroit.
The mother, Tatiana Williams, faces potential charges related to the incident, which has shocked the community and highlighted the dire circumstances faced by families experiencing homelessness.
According to Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison, the family had been living out of their vehicle for two to three months, frequently parking at various casinos for shelter.
On Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, around 1 a.m., the family parked on the ninth floor of the casino’s garage. The van reportedly stopped running, either due to mechanical failure or lack of fuel, leaving the family without heat as temperatures dropped below freezing.
The tragedy came to light around midday Monday when the mother noticed the 9-year-old child was unresponsive. She called a friend for help, and the friend transported the child to a nearby children’s hospital. While checking on the other children, the family discovered the 2-year-old was also unresponsive.
The grandmother called 911, and the friend returned to take the toddler to the hospital. Both children were pronounced dead upon arrival. Authorities believe hypothermia is the likely cause of death, though the medical examiner will make the official determination.
Police were alerted by the hospital at 12:47 p.m. Monday. The surviving children, ages 2 to 13, were taken to the hospital for evaluation and are now in the care of relatives.
Following an investigation, the mother was arrested and is expected to face charges related to the children’s deaths. Chief Bettison emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating:
“This is a heartbreaking case that underscores the severe risks faced by families living in vehicles, especially during the winter months. While we must hold individuals accountable, we also need to address the systemic issues that lead to such tragedies.”
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and sorrow, with many calling for increased support and resources for homeless families.
Advocates have urged local officials to expand shelter access and provide more assistance to those in need to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The loss of the two young children is a stark reminder of the urgent need to address homelessness and housing insecurity in Detroit and beyond.
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