Judge Finds Probable Cause Defendant Murdered Jogger in Logan Circle

By D.C. Witness Staff - November 9, 2018
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

A judge found Nov. 9 probable cause that a man fatally stabbed a woman while she jogged near her home in Northwest DC.

Anthony Crawford is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 35-year-old Wendy Karina Martinez as she jogged, during the evening, near her home in Logan Circle. The stabbing occurred on the 1400 block of 11th Street, NW on Sept. 18.

District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe denied the defense’s request to release Crawford, 23, on personal recognizance or to the care of St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric hospital. Crawford, who has not entered a plea, is being held without bond at DC Jail.

A homicide detective testified that Crawford’s DNA was found on a yellow sweater, an umbrella, a trail of blood left at the scene and the blade and handle of a knife that was allegedly stolen minutes before the attack.

According to WTOP, Crawford suffers from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Apparently, family members told detectives that he had not been taking his medication at the time of the murder.

According to court documents, Crawford allegedly stabbed Martinez seven times, including in her head and neck. She was able to stumble into a nearby Chinese restaurant for help, but later died from her injuries at the hospital.

The case is being held for a grand jury.