Episode 23: The David Michael Crawford Serial Arson Case Part 2

See below for timestamps!

In today's episode we kick off the case of David Michael Crawford, a retired Maryland Police Chief turned serial arsonist. We will be starting with the first arson in a series he was linked to in court with a fire at the home of a fellow city employee. We're bringing you a deep dive into a case I've been researching for over 6 months and currently this case is pending appeal in Maryland. Join us as we dive into one twisted and shocking serial arson case on Crime to Burn.

We begin this case with many disclaimers and explanations about evidence, sources, and testimony in this case and they are important. I have provided time stamps below in case you wish to fast forward to the case but the disclaimers will provide you with additional insight into the judicial process and criminal court cases.

Timestamps:

Disclaimers begin at 2:49

2:49 - 4:08 - A discussion about crimes the defendant has been convicted of and the difference between accused and convicted.

4:08 - 5:06 - An explanation of some evidence presented in court related to fires other than the ones for which he was standing trial.

5:06 - 6:44 - A discussion of the defendant's wife and explanation that she is not accused of being involved nor of having knowledge of her husband's crimes.

6:44 - 8:25 - Discussion of crimes unrelated to the arsons presented in court which members of the defendant's immediate family indicated in press reports they suspect Crawford's involvement.

8:25 - 10:27 - Explanation of court recordings and bench conversations and differentiating between what can be gleaned from the court recordings verses what was known to the jury. Also includes a discussion of hearsay, probative value of evidence and testimony, and prejudicial testimony.

10:27 - 11:45 - Discussion of state's burden in criminal cases and constitutional rights of defendants to not testify.

11:45 - 13:17: Discussion of off the record sources used for this podcast and a reminder that all witnesses are off-limits until the conclusion of the appeal.

13:17 - 15:34 - My own personal implicit bias due to my involvement in some of the organizations involved in this case.

15:34 - 17:05 - Discussion of what court records were obtained and what records were not used and why.

17:05 - 18:12 - Discussion about defense attorney. UPDATE AFTER RECORDING: Mr. Bonsib did reply to my email and provided the appellate brief but has indicated that given the pending appeal, he does not feel it would be appropriate to discuss the case with me. I understand and respect his decision.

18:12 - 20:27 - Discussion about narrative storytelling and using emotions to drive the narrative and a reminder that these perspectives used for storytelling are not intended to imply guilt or innocence of the defendant. Also discussion about authentically presenting the emotions and implications of others and not my own.

20:27 END OF DISCLAIMERS.

Background Music is by Not Notoriously Coordinated.

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Sources used:

Application for Statement of Charges against David Michael Crawford of Ellicott City, MD to the District Court of Maryland filed 3/2/2021; D-101-CR-21-000235. https://www.scribd.com/document/497270007/Charging-Docs-David-Michael-Crawford

Court Recordings from Circuit Court for Howard County - Criminal Case C-13-CR-21-000152. State of Maryland vs. David Michael Crawford. Dates of 2/27/2023 through 3/9/2023.

In the Appellate Court of Maryland, David Michael Crawford (Appellant) v. State of Maryland (Appellee). Appeal from the Circuit Court for Howard County Opening Brief and Appendix of the Appellant.

Personal communications with persons familiar with David Michael Crawford. (off-the-record interviews)

Mann, Alex. "Former Laurel police chief craved authroity, set fires for revenge, Howard prosecutors say." Baltimore Sun, Mar 1, 2023.

Mann, Alex. "Ex-Laurel police chief contacted victims after series of arson fires. He's accused of keeping enemies list, starting blazes." Baltimore Sun. (no date provided in copy used)

Mann, Alex. "'Arson Destroys Persons': Former Laurel Police Chief sentenced to life for Howard County fires." Baltimore Sun. June 27, 2023

Faguy, Ana et. al. "Retired Maryland police chief used arson for vendettas, prosecutors say; a stirring dog may have saved one family." Baltimore Sun, Mar 4, 2021.

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