The Story About How Little Sonny Uncle Kidnapped Him Because He Was Jealous of his Big Brother Rich Porter

In the annals of Harlem’s turbulent history, few stories strike as deeply as that of William Donnell, affectionately known as Sonny in the movie "Paid In Full". The younger brother of Harlem’s legendary drug figure Rich Porter aka Richard Thomas Porter, William’s name lives on not only as a symbol of innocence lost but as a haunting reminder of how betrayal and greed can dismantle even the most sacred family bonds.

To those who knew him, William Donnell was more than just Rich Porter's younger brother—he was the heart of the family. Just 12 years old in 1989, William represented hope, youth, and a chance at a future untethered from the streets that consumed so many. Protected and loved by his family, especially his older brother Rich, William was often seen as a beacon of light amid Harlem’s dark drug-fueled underworld.

One of the most unforgettable images associated with William is that of him sitting in a wicker chair—a chilling visual frozen in time. What once might have symbolized innocence or tradition now represents the fragility of life in a world defined by street codes and silent betrayals. That image, etched into the memories of Harlem residents, now serves as a solemn icon of lost youth.

On December 5, 1989, William’s life took a harrowing turn. He was kidnapped by his own uncle, known as Uncle Apple, who demanded a $500,000 ransom for his release. The betrayal sent shockwaves through the Porter family. In an act of desperation, Rich Porter offered the only thing he had—40 kilos of cocaine and cash—to broker his little brother’s freedom. He turned to Harlem’s elusive and powerful kingpin, Richard “Fritz” Simmons, for help.

But salvation never came. Just before the ransom could be paid, Rich Porter was gunned down, murdered by someone he once trusted—Alpo Martinez, another major player in Harlem’s drug scene. With Rich gone, the urgency to save William faded into silence. Days later, tragedy struck again: William’s dismembered body was found, stuffed in a bag near the Bronx.

He was just a child—killed by someone he called family.

The murders of Rich and William Donnell shattered the Harlem community and left an unfillable void in the lives of those who loved them. Yet, in the darkness of their deaths emerged a story that continues to resonate—a tale of love, loyalty, betrayal, and the cruel cost of life in the drug era.

William Donnell's story isn't just about crime—it's about what happens when greed eclipses humanity, when family becomes the enemy, and when the innocent pay the highest price.

More than three decades later, William Donnell is remembered not for the crime that took his life, but for the warmth and love he brought to those around him. His story serves as both a warning and a tribute—a cautionary tale from Harlem’s darkest days, and a reminder that even in a world dominated by violence, the light of innocence and brotherhood never fully fades.

Let William Donnell's memory stand as a testament to what was lost—and what we must never forget.