Conviction for Rape and Murder of Four-Year-Old Ja’Niya Williams

Today a Baltimore jury convicted Ronald Hinton, now 16, of the 5300 block of Morello Road, Baltimore of first-degree murder and rape of 4-yr. old Ja’Niya Williams. The Honorable John Addison Howard will sentence Hinton at a later date. Closing arguments were held on Friday, May 2, 2008 and the jury deliberated fewer than three hours before returning their verdict about 11 a.m. following an 8-day trial.

The Baltimore City Grand jury indicted Hinton July 7, 2006 for first-degree murder, first-degree rape and other sex offense and child abuse counts.

Court documents allege on June 21, 2006 Hinton, who was 14 at the time, raped and severely beat a four-year-old girl at a residence in the 2900 block of Goodwood Road. Ja’Niya Williams died two days later.

Assistant State’s Attorney Temmi Rollock and Sex Offense Division Chief Jo Anne Stanton prosecuted the case.