NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — More than six months after a man was found dead at a motel near Nashville International Airport, a suspect in the case was brought back from New York City to face a homicide charge.

According to the Metro Nashville Police Department, the body of 65-year-old Joseph G. Williams was discovered inside a bathroom at the Red Roof Inn on Claridge Drive on March 20.

MARCH 2025: Victim identified in ‘suspicious death’ at motel near Nashville airport

Authorities initially said an employee entered the room and found Williams lying on his back, fully clothed, in the bathtub, which also contained pieces from drywall in the area that had been broken. When first responders arrived at the scene, they reportedly removed the clothing over the man’s face and saw dried blood.

While officials said from the start that foul play was suspected in Williams’ death, they didn’t announce until months later that the Nashville man had been discovered in the bathtub with his arms bound behind his back with an electrical cord.

Police said Omeed Y. Esmail was the last one to be seen with Williams in the room on March 15, days before his body was found. Not only had Williams been living in the motel for months, but Esmail had reportedly been staying in the room with the 65-year-old.

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Deputy U.S. Marshals took Esmail into custody in New York City on July 2, according to law enforcement. Then, on Friday, Oct. 10, authorities announced the 39-year-old was brought back to Nashville and is being charged with criminal homicide in connection with Williams’ death.

No additional details have been released about the March 15 murder.

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