DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman denied the release of a homicide defendant on Dec. 2, after he pleaded not guilty to all charges.
James Crawley, 31, is charged with first-degree murder-felony murder with aggravating circumstances, and child cruelty for his alleged involvement in the death of three-year-old Zy’Onne Forney. She was smothered to death on May 8, 2024, at the 1400 block of L Street, SE.
During the hearing, Terrence Austin, Crawley’s attorney, alerted the court of his intent to plead not guilty to all charges and asserted his constitutional rights to a speedy trial.
The prosecutor argued that Crawley should continue to be held as he awaits further proceedings, because the grand jury found probable cause with aggravating factors in this case. Additionally, she alleged that all of the evidence in this case points to Crawley, including actions taken by the defendant to evade responsibility.
According to the prosecution, following the incident, Crawley cut off all of his hair, was jumping fences to avoid being arrested, and checked himself into a mental hospital. Furthermore, the defendant has a history of bench warrants, which according to prosecutors is evidence of his being a flight risk.
The prosecutor claimed that even with inconsistent statements from witnesses, Crawley should not be released on the sheer amount of evidence that they have against him and the possible danger he poses to the community.
Austin argued that evidence the prosecution has for the defendant’s culpability comes from witnesses who have potential bias and are not credible. Austin stated that Crawley’s friend claimed that the defendant confessed to him on the day of the incident, but video surveillance placed the defendant still at the incident address when this confession allegedly occurred.
Additionally, Forney’s mother provided three separate and differing accounts of the incident. According to Austin, the mom first stated she was responsible for it, having rolled over on the victim in her sleep.
She later changed her story, claiming Crawley was responsible and that he informed her that the victim was dead. Finally, Austin claimed, she last told prosecutors that Crawley caused the death, but completely changed the story of how it happened.
Austin claimed that in addition to the differing statements, the mother has a possible bias. According to Austin, there was an arrest warrant for her in connection to possible abuse or neglect of her children.
The defendant has no prior felony convictions, only misdemeanors, and none of which are considered serious offenses, according to the defense. Further arguments claimed that Crawley’s attorney could connect him with resources available through the Public Defender Services (PDS), that would reasonably ensure that the defendant would show up to court and not pose a threat to the community.
Judge Edelman ruled in favor of holding Crawley. He stated that there was no reasonable set of conditions that he could fashion that would reasonably ensure the safety of the community and assure the defendant would show up to court. He made this decision based on the bench warrant history and the seriousness of the crime.
Parties are slated to reconvene Dec. 18.
