Del Orrin Crawford, 42, was charged with various charges following a gunshot incident in Martin City, Montana, on August 27, 2022. Crawford and Whisper Dawn Mari Sellars had a disagreement, which escalated into violent assaults. Crawford allegedly pushed Sellars and was then shoved back by Doug Crosswhite. He fired rounds at both, killing them. Crawford was convicted of premeditated and attempted homicide, assaulting another person with a weapon, and tampering with evidence. Crawford's defense attorneys claimed that she acted in self-defense in response to imagined threats. The jury acquitted Crawford, and he was remanded in detention. The case emphasizes the difficulties of making self-defense claims in violent confrontations, as well as the significance of weighing competing accounts when assessing blame.
Words cannot describe how devastated I am over the loss of Whisper’s life and the injuries Doug sustained. I can only hope that one day some level of peace come to you and your families to lift your pain and suffering. I am truly sorry and remorseful for your losses.
Del Crawford. Autographed Letter, Signed. Handwritten, Commercial #10 (4.125 × 9.5 envelope). Missoula, MT. January 13, 2025. Content unknown. SEALED.
Overview of the Case Against Del Orrin Crawford
Del Orrin Crawford, a 42-year-old man, was charged with multiple offenses stemming from a shooting incident that occurred on August 27, 2022, outside the Southfork Saloon in Martin City, Montana. The charges included deliberate homicide for the death of Whisper Dawn Mari Sellars, attempted deliberate homicide for injuring Doug Crosswhite, assault with a weapon, and tampering with physical evidence.
Incident Details
The incident began when Crawford observed individuals attempting to start a golf cart outside the bar. Witness Chelsea Bauska reported that an argument escalated between Crawford and Sellars, leading to physical confrontations. During this altercation, Crawford allegedly pushed Sellars and was subsequently pushed back by Doug Crosswhite. In response to this confrontation, Crawford drew a handgun and fired shots that struck both Sellars and Crosswhite.
Upon arrival at the scene, law enforcement officers found Sellars receiving CPR but ultimately pronounced dead due to her injuries. Crosswhite sustained serious injuries and was transported to Logan Health in Kalispell for medical treatment.
Trial Proceedings
Crawford’s trial lasted four days and concluded with jury deliberation lasting nearly five hours. The jury found him guilty of deliberate homicide and attempted deliberate homicide. He was also convicted of assaulting another individual with a weapon and tampering with evidence but was acquitted of one count of assault with a weapon against Alicia Crosswhite.
During the trial, prosecutors argued that Crawford acted as the aggressor and had no justification for using deadly force during what they characterized as a verbal argument turned physical. They emphasized witness testimonies indicating that no one from the victims’ party was armed at the time of the shooting.
In contrast, defense attorneys contended that Crawford acted in self-defense due to perceived threats from multiple individuals surrounding him during the altercation. They pointed out inconsistencies in witness statements while asserting that Crawford’s actions were justified under those circumstances.
Verdict and Sentencing
The jury’s verdict came after careful consideration of evidence presented by both sides. Judge Dan Wilson presided over the case and took precautions to maintain order in the courtroom during the announcement of the verdicts due to anticipated emotional reactions from those present.
Crawford was remanded into custody following his conviction, with sentencing scheduled for September 19, 2024. Prosecutors maintained that his actions were intentional and not justified under any self-defense claims he made during police interviews.
Conclusion
In summary, Del Orrin Crawford has been found guilty of serious charges related to a fatal shooting incident involving Whisper Sellars and Doug Crosswhite. The case highlights issues surrounding self-defense claims in violent confrontations and emphasizes how juries evaluate conflicting testimonies in determining culpability.
VIDEO: Del Orrin Crawford found guilty for deadly Martin City shooting
| https://youtu.be/X_rA4ayuMWE
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