FREDERICK, Md. — A Frederick man was arrested Friday in the 2003 killing of Joshua Wayne Crawford after investigators uncovered significant new evidence, according to the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office.
Tavon Jamar Willis, 46, was taken into custody after a Frederick County grand jury returned an indictment Friday morning. He faces 14 charges, including first-degree murder, armed robbery and burglary.
Crawford was found killed in his Exeter Court apartment in Frederick County on July 2, 2003 — the day he would have turned 21. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined his cause of death was asphyxia and sharp and blunt force injuries.
The Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remained active for 23 years, with investigators pursuing numerous leads and tips. Authorities credited significant new evidence developed during the continuing investigation with leading to Willis’ arrest but did not describe that evidence in the announcement.
“I recognize that this has been a horrific and very frustrating 23-year ordeal for Joshua’s family and friends,” Sheriff Chuck Jenkins said.
Jenkins said the arrest cannot erase the family’s loss but expressed hope that the development could provide a measure of closure after more than two decades.
Willis was transported to the Frederick County Adult Detention Center. In addition to first-degree murder, he is charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery.
The indictment also includes two first-degree burglary charges — one alleging intent to commit theft and another alleging intent to commit a crime of violence — and corresponding conspiracy charges. Willis additionally faces charges of third-degree burglary, conspiracy to commit third-degree burglary, false imprisonment and conspiracy to commit false imprisonment.
The charges are allegations, and Willis is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The Sheriff’s Office said the criminal investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call 301-600-1046 or leave a tip at 301-600-4131.
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