A new criminal justice reform bill will be named after the late Michael K. Williams, who sadly passed away earlier this week. According to the New York Post, Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn is planning to introduce the bill, which is aimed at curbing the state’s incarceration rates, in honor of the “Lovecraft Country” star. “The Michael K. Williams bill will serve to reduce mass incarceration, which disproportionately hurts people of color and costs tax payers millions of dollars,” Hermelyn told the outlet in a statement.
Before his untimely death, Williams used his platform to bring awareness to prison reform. He also served as the American Civil Liberties Union’s (ACLU) “ambassador for ending mass incarceration.”
“This was Michael’s mission, and in New York State, we can and must do better,” the assemblywoman added. “We will keep our communities safe and reduce racist policies that have led to America’s for-profit criminal justice system.”
Hermelyn will reportedly meet with Williams’ family at a later time to discuss the law. She is also working with the ACLU to craft the measure.
Williams was found dead in his Brooklyn apartment by his nephew on Monday (Sept. 6) after he missed an appearance over the weekend. His cause of death is currently unknown, but authorities are treating his death as a criminal investigation. Drug paraphernalia was reportedly found at his home and investigators are searching for the person who sold him the substances, which are believed to be heroin-based.
Before his death, the actor was working with Hermelyn’s husband Crown Heights District Leader Edu Hermelyn and his “The Wire” co-star Jamie Hecto on a back-to-school event that was set to take place in Flatbush this Sunday (Sept. 12). The annual school supply giveaway will now honor Williams.
“The East Flatbush community mourns Michael, a true hero,” Hermelyn told The Post.