In a case filled with dead ends and unanswered questions, Tiara McWilliams continues her desperate search for her daughter, Ameera Deadrick, who vanished in 2016.
In 2013, Tiara reluctantly allowed her daughter, Ameera, to spend the summer with her father, Anthony Deadrick, in Houston. As the summer ended, Anthony refused to return Ameera, a decision that left Tiara in a constant state of distress. Despite her efforts to bring Ameera back, Anthony stood firm.
Recommended Videos
In 2014, Tiara traveled to Houston with the hope of bringing Ameera home, but Anthony once again prevented her from leaving. Without a custody agreement in place, Tiara found herself without legal recourse. Over the next few years, she maintained contact with Ameera through visits and phone calls, persistently trying to bring her daughter back. However, in the summer of 2016, all contact was lost.
“I tried to come and join her, but Anthony wouldn’t agree,” Tiara explained. “When I tried to get her, he appeared, and the police refused to get involved because there was no custody agreement.”
SEE ALSO: Missing in Houston: Almost 25 years later, family of Almond Gene Little still seeking answers
In the absence of official assistance, Tiara attempted to file for custody, but her efforts were stalled. “I lost contact, and I had no way of reaching out to anyone. I tried contacting his sister and niece, but they weren’t helpful,” she recalled.
An investigation revealed that Anthony was imprisoned on unrelated charges in November 2016, leaving Ameera’s whereabouts unknown. Tiara’s fears were confirmed when she learned about Anthony’s incarceration.
“I knew something was wrong when I found out he was in jail. I could feel it in my body,” she shared. “HPD wouldn’t help, so I contacted the police where I lived, and they reached out to HPD and the attorney general’s office, who then opened a case for Ameera.”
In 2019, Tiara moved to Texas to be closer to the investigation.
Anthony told investigators that he had left Ameera with a woman named Linda/Tootie in Waco, whom he had met at a convenience store. Despite efforts to track her down, no such person was found. Tiara refers to the story as a cockamamie one.
“The police investigated, but no one by that name lived where he said they lived or did what he said they did. The apartment complex he said she lived in had never heard of anyone by that name. It was all made up,” Tiara explained.
Tiara described Ameera as an intelligent, sassy little girl with no fear. She believes that whatever was happening to Ameera, they couldn’t send her back to her mother because she would reveal everything.
“Whatever happened to her, they couldn’t send her home to me because she would have told me. I think something happened, and he was trying to cover it up,” Tiara said. “I believe something happened to her because of the things I’ve been told since I came back. They had her wearing a bell like an animal, and she was stealing food, which means she was hungry. This is not the child I raised.”
SEE ALSO: Missing in Houston: Father pleads for help finding 4-year-old daughter Cyan Dior Amos
Reflecting on the challenges she faced in seeking assistance, Tiara expressed her frustration.
“HPD has been no help. The Attorney General’s office initially helped, but they came to a dead end and the case came to a halt until they get more information,” Tiara explained. “They’re supposed to be investigating now, but I don’t know much about it. Someone has been trying to leave clues or breadcrumbs that Ameera could still be alive. There are a lot of games being played, and many people are involved in this case.”
Tiara remains determined to find her daughter and discussed how her faith in God has been so important to her during this time.
“If anyone knows anything about Ameera, please come forward. God will deal with those who withhold information,” she pleaded.
Tiara’s journey is a heartbreaking testament to a mother’s love and determination and she says she will never give up hope of finding her daughter.
“Ameera, I love you so much. I miss you, darling, and hope never dies. The truth will be revealed.”
As Ameera’s sixteenth birthday approaches on October 1, Tiara’s search for answers continues.
Anyone with information about Ameera’s whereabouts is urged to contact HPD or the Texas Attorney General’s office at 512-936-1673.
MORE MISSING IN HOUSTON: