Last week, a jury found Cordarius Crawford guilty of Second Degree Murder with a Firearm in a 2022 Orlando homicide.
On March 10, 2022, Travick J. Ward 2 was found dead in the breezeway of the Villages on Millenia Apartments. Ward had arrived at the apartment complex with his girlfriend and best friend to visit another friend who had come home from college when Crawford approached and started shooting at them. Ward was shot and killed.
Surveillance footage obtained from the apartment complex and nearby businesses successfully captured the suspect in the moments before and after the shooting. He was identified by distinct features including a red backpack, gold medallion and an Adidas tracksuit.
A Crimeline bulletin with a suspect description was released and helped Orlando Police detectives identify Crawford as the shooter. Detectives also obtained a statement from Crawford that placed him at the scene of the crime. In his statement to police, he claimed the shooting was in self-defense.
A total of 13 witnesses testified during the trial including Crawford. His testimony contradicted a lot of the physical evidence and strengthened the State’s case.
A jury convicted Crawford after a three-day trial which concluded last week. He was convicted of Second Degree Murder with a Firearm and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. He was also found guilty on two counts of a lesser included offense of Attempted Manslaughter by Act.
He will be sentenced on January 12, 2024.
