A 26-year-old Queens man was arraigned Wednesday on murder charges after police say he fatally stabbed his 61-year-old mother inside their Far Rockaway home.
Armel Crawford was charged with second-degree murder and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon in connection with the death of Joanne Crawford, a retired city corrections officer. Prosecutors allege the incident occurred Tuesday morning, July 8, at the family’s residence.
According to Queens Assistant District Attorney Lindsey Ruzza, the victim sustained multiple stab wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene around 10:40 a.m. Tuesday.
Police said Crawford fled the home and was later taken into custody at Beach 62nd Street and the Rockaway Boardwalk after running into the water. A law enforcement source said officers believed he may have been attempting to evade capture. He was ordered held without bail by Judge Sharifa Milena Nasser-Cuellar during his arraignment.
Authorities said police had previously responded to the home for domestic disturbance calls, including two earlier this year, but none had escalated to violence. Family members described a strained relationship between mother and son.
“He just had problems with her,” said Barry Crawford, the accused’s cousin. “She was a retired corrections officer, so she was never home. He felt that she never gave him the quality time that he desired.”
Neighbors expressed shock at the incident. “We are all pretty shaken up,” one resident who asked not to be named told reporters. “We watched him grow up from a little boy. I still can’t believe this is real.”
Barry Crawford remembered his aunt as a giving member of the community who was always there for her loved ones.
The case remains under investigation.
