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Man in custody after missing woman’s body found in Lawrence County

By Mercy Rain Jul 16, 2025 | 7:16 PM

LAWRENCE COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) – After nearly two months of searching, the missing person case of La’Datra Williams took a tragic turn.

Authorities said a body believed to be that of Williams was discovered in Lawrence County. They said Charles Matthew Sims, who is in custody, led them to the location of her body.

“In my opinion, based off my experience as a career law man, this has got all the makings to turn into something really, really nasty, and to be really big, or turn into something that could wind up on True Crime or Dateline or whatever you want to call it,” Lawrence County Sheriff Ryan Everett said.

According to authorities, Williams was one of several women romantically involved with Sims. He’s believed to have four to five partners and is the father of at least 22 children.

  • Charles Sims (Courtesy: Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office)
  • La’Datra Williams (Courtesy: Family of La’Datra Williams)

There are claims that Sims may be leading a secluded group with some sources referring to it as a cult. Everette said Sims’ property has compound-like features, but he stopped short of labeling it.

“I can’t say that it is, or I can’t say that it’s not all. I can say he would call them wives, but I did verify with him this morning that none of them he has no legal union. No legal marriages,” the sheriff said.

Sims has been charged with first-degree murder and felony vehicle theft.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help pay for the funeral expenses for Williams.