ODESSA, FL – Timothy Crawford, 52, of Georgia, is facing a potential life sentence after allegedly driving over 450 miles to brutally attack his ex-girlfriend (identified as M.B.) and kill her pet dog in Hillsborough County, Florida. The attack, which occurred on December 7, 2023, culminated in Crawford’s immediate arrest by Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies, and a subsequent federal indictment.
According to court documents, Crawford left Atlanta, Georgia, in the early morning hours and arrived at M.B.’s Odessa home around 8:00 p.m. He allegedly broke into the residence armed with a pistol and stun-gun, lying in wait for her return. Upon her arrival, Crawford reportedly unleashed a violent assault, punching, kicking, and repeatedly stunning M.B. with the weapon. He allegedly threatened to kill both her and her children.
M.B. fought back, defending herself with a dumbbell and eventually managing to escape the residence. However, before fleeing, Crawford allegedly shot and killed M.B.’s eight-pound Maltese. A neighbor, alerted by M.B.’s screams, immediately called 911, leading to Crawford’s swift apprehension. Deputies found an H&K USP .40-caliber pistol on the dining room table, along with significant blood evidence throughout the house – in the garage, laundry room, bedroom, and entryway.
The victim sustained horrific injuries, including extensive bruising to her body, neck, and face, stun-gun burns, a fractured left orbital bone, a broken nose, a fractured ring finger, and a head laceration requiring stitches. Disturbingly, a search of Crawford’s phone revealed he had previously searched online for “do you get the death penalty if you kill a woman,” suggesting premeditation. He confessed to the break-in, the use of the stun-gun, punching M.B., and killing the dog.
Crawford has been indicted on charges of interstate domestic violence, discharge of a firearm during and in the commission of a crime of violence, and interstate stalking. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, and potentially life, in federal prison. U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced the indictment, emphasizing the severity of the crime and the potential consequences for Crawford.
The case was a joint investigation by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Diego F. Novaes is prosecuting the case. An indictment is not a finding of guilt, and Crawford is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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