FCSO Arrests Man in 2003 Cold Case Murder of Joshua Crawford
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FREDERICK, Md. (September 18, 2026) – Today, the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) announces the arrest of Tavon Jamar Willis, 46, of Frederick, in connection with the 2003 murder of Joshua Wayne Crawford.
An indictment was handed down this morning by the Frederick County Grand Jury, and Willis was taken into custody in connection with Joshua’s murder.
Joshua was brutally murdered in his Exeter Court apartment in Frederick County on July 2, 2003. His cause of death was ruled as asphyxia and sharp and blunt force injuries by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Joshua would have turned 21 years old on the day he was found murdered.
The investigation into Joshua’s murder has remained active for the past 23 years.
FCSO investigators have pursued countless leads and tips in an effort to identify the suspect(s) involved in the murder. Through the continued investigation, significant new evidence was uncovered, resulting in Willis' arrest.
“I recognize that this has been a horrific and very frustrating 23-year ordeal for Joshua’s family and friends,” Jenkins said. “The Sheriff’s Office recognizes that today’s arrest cannot erase the loss experienced by Joshua’s family but hopes the development may provide a measure of closure after more than two decades.
Willis was transported to the Frederick County Adult Detention Center and is charged as follows:
First-Degree Murder (Felony)
Conspiracy to Commit First-Degree Murder (Misdemeanor)
Armed Robbery (Felony)
Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery (Misdemeanor)
Robbery (Felony)
Conspiracy to Commit Robbery (Misdemeanor)
First-Degree Burglary – Intent to Commit Theft (Felony)
Conspiracy to Commit First-Degree Burglary – Intent to Commit Theft (Misdemeanor)
First-Degree Burglary – Intent to Commit a Crime of Violence (Felony)
Conspiracy to Commit First-Degree Burglary – Intent to Commit a Crime of Violence (Misdemeanor)
Third-Degree Burglary (Felony)
Conspiracy to Commit Third-Degree Burglary (Misdemeanor)
False Imprisonment (Misdemeanor)
Conspiracy to Commit False Imprisonment (Misdemeanor)
The Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that this remains an ongoing criminal investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at 301-600-1046 or submit a tip through the FCSO tip line at 301-600-4131.
###
The Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy funded this project under subaward number (MCIN-2027-0007). All points of view in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position of any State or Federal agency.
The Frederick County Sheriff's Office (FCSO) is a full-service law enforcement agency, an arm of the court, and a keeper of offenders. In this regard, it exists to serve the more than 290,000 citizens of Frederick County with respect, fairness, and compassion. FCSO is committed to the prevention of crime; the protection of life and property; the preservation of peace and order; the enforcement of laws and ordinances; the safeguarding of constitutional guarantees; and safekeeping of prisoners. The men, women, and officers of this office nurture public trust by holding themselves to the highest standards of performance and ethics. The FCSO is located at 110 Airport Drive East, Frederick, MD, 21701. Visit www.frederickcosheriff.com for more information.
