A 26-year-old man has been charged with murder after prosecutors accused him of killing his mother inside their Far Rockaway home before allegedly fleeing into the ocean in an attempt to avoid arrest.
Armel Crawford was arraigned on Wednesday, July 8, over the death of his 61-year-old mother, Joanne Crawford, who authorities said was found dead inside the family residence on Tuesday morning, July 7.
According to prosecutors, the attack involved a machete, and authorities alleged that Crawford inflicted multiple injuries on his mother before attempting to escape from the scene.
Queens Assistant District Attorney Lindsey Ruzza told the court that the victim suffered multiple stab wounds, including injuries to her abdomen. She said one of the wounds affected internal organs, while another involved an injury to her throat.
Police said Crawford was later taken into custody near Beach 62nd Street and the Rockaway Boardwalk after he allegedly ran into the water following the incident.
“The defendant was taken into custody at Beach 62nd Street and Rockaway Boardwalk, where he had run into the water presumably to evade capture,” Ruzza said in court.
According to police sources, the decision to enter the water appeared to be an attempt to escape authorities.
Crawford was charged with second-degree murder and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Judge Sharifa Milena Nasser-Cuellar ordered him held without bail as the case proceeds.
Joanne Crawford, a retired city corrections officer, was pronounced dead at the scene after officers discovered her inside the home around 10:40 a.m. Tuesday.
Authorities said the mother and son had experienced a difficult relationship, with police previously responding to domestic disturbance calls at the residence, including two incidents earlier in the year. However, those earlier reports did not result in violence, according to sources.
A relative said Crawford had a strained relationship with his mother, partly because of her demanding career as a corrections officer. His cousin, Barry Crawford, described Joanne as a caring person who was respected by family and members of the community.
Neighbours expressed shock over the incident, saying they had watched Armel grow up and struggled to understand what happened.
The case remains before the court, and the allegations against Crawford have not been proven. He is presumed innocent unless found guilty through the legal process.
Yawa9ja
Share Your Thoughts Below!
