Daryl Williams tragedy

by Michael Mahler

On Friday, July 30, Erie resident Daryl Williams, 48 years old, was found dead at his home. He had suffered from multiple sclerosis, and was unable to drink, eat or relieve himself. Williams appeared to be malnourished and covered in filth. The body was infested with fleas, ticks, maggots and apparently had been gnawed on by rats, possibly while Williams was still alive. Emergency responders had to remove the body through a second story window because the debris and waste in the room effectively blocked the door.

His sole caregiver was Raymond Carinci, 49, had just returned from a three day vacation in Las Vegas. Carinci has been suspended from his job as a social studies teacher at Central High School. Carinci is also known to some Erie GLBT's as Ginger, a drag performer.

On Thursday, August 5, Carinci was charged with involuntary manslaughter and reckless endangerment in the death of Daryl Williams. The case has not yet been gone to trial, so EGN is unable to comment fully. The circumstances appear to be grisly and horrific, and we extend our sympathies to the family and friends of all concerned.

On Sunday, August 8, local TV news included a request for information about the case specifically from the GLBT community from Erie Detective John Holmes. I called and spoke with Det. Holmes. The police had received some calls after Williams' death alleging possible neglectful behavior by Carinci, but the callers were unwilling to testify, so therefore the evidence couldn't be used at all. It is hoped that if there is indeed reliable information, that the persons having it will step forward.

It is my belief that the probable reason the police were reaching out to the GLBT community is that Carinci would have been most likely to speak openly with us, as opposed to other segments of the population, with whom Ray would have been more likely to conceal the fact that he was involved with another man. It did not appear to me that they were fishing for other charges possible, but just to get complete evidence about the charges that had already been filed.

About the Author

Michael Mahler Michael Kenton Mahler (He/Him) has been the editor of Erie Gay News since it was founded in December 1992. He is also a founding member of NWPA Pride Alliance. He serves on the Governor's Commission for LGBTQ Affairs and is active with Aging with Pride and the Erie County HIV Task Force. He became the first LGBTQ person to be fully out in May 1992 when appearing on local TV coverage. Michael currently works as a software developer for Erie Custom Computer Applications.