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Family Involved In Grandfalls Double Murder Speak Out
Family Involved In Grandfalls Double Murder Speak Out 9/7/12
fbolton@cbs7.com
CBS 7 News Reporter
September 7, 2012
GRANDFALLS, TX - After a double murder shook the community of Grandfalls, the family of those involved are speaking out. Family of the suspect, 28-year-old Rodney Crawford, stated that his mental problems we’re swept under the rug. They stated this led to him hurting himself and others.
They said they never thought he was capable of murder. Earlier this week, 31-year-old Christina Stafford and 30-year-old Travis Dewitt were brutally murdered in Grandfalls. The suspect is Stafford’s ex-boyfriend, 28-year-old Rodney Crawford.
Crawford’s family stated he was depressed and suicidal. Crawford was released from jail just 3 days before the shooting, where he received a mental evaluation; then sent home. This is standard procedure at the Ward County Sheriff's Office.
"I know it could have been prevented if they had kept him in a jail. And from the jail, put him in the hospital and put him on some medicine or something," said grandmother of the suspect, Geneva Alverson.
The Ward County Sheriff’s Office stated that they do release people once they are screened as have a good mental state after the mental evaluation.
Crawford’s family has suffered 2 recent deaths. Now this shooting is another downfall they weren't expecting.
"This is tragic. I've… lost a daughter and son …and a grandson [Crawford]. It's just terrifying and he should be punished for what he's done, "said Alverson.
Christina Stafford’s 8-year-old daughter was hospitalized with injuries as well. Her family stated that the 8-year-old ran several miles to safety, after she witnessed her mother's murder right before her eyes.
"If you’re sick with cancer, you're pretty much prepare them. You know that they are going to go. But her seeing we mom get killed ... we're going to get her all the help that we can. I couldn’t tell you how long. It's going to be more than 2 months, maybe even some years," said grandmother of the 8-year-old, Barbara Stafford.
As the families begin the healing process, The Ward County Sheriff’s Office is moving forward with the investigation. They’ve charged Crawford with two counts of murder and one charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. His bond is currently set at $750,000. Crawford is recovering from a self-inflicted injury to his head at Medical Center Hospital. He will be transported to the Ector County Jail once he's released.