Tragedy struck Baltimore City just days ago when Matthew Crawley, freshly released from a decade behind bars, returned to a life of violence, taking the life of his childhood friend, Taijah Addison; Crawley has since been handed a life sentence plus an additional 35 years, ensuring he will not soon see freedom again, according to the Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City.
The shooting, which cost Mr. Addison his life, occurred in the 700 block of Yale Avenue, where he was found deceased in his vehicle from multiple gunshot wounds to his head and chest; less than two days prior, Crawley had been released from serving time for a string of violent crimes, though his return to civilian life was fleeting and marred by this new, fatal incident, "Our hearts remain with them as they continue to grieve a life taken far too soon," the State's Attorney Ivan J. Bates said referring to the victim's family.
Detectives at the scene gathered crucial evidence, including a video capturing Crawley's movements on the day of the shooting, this evidence pieced together the moments leading to Addison's death and ultimately led to Crawley's arrest shortly after the incident when officers located him wearing the same clothes as the shooter and in possession of a firearm that matched the casings found at the scene.
"The facts of this case reveal a deliberate and senseless act of violence committed just 48 hours after the Defendant was released from prison—a heinous act that ended the life of someone he knew and trusted," State's Attorney Ivan J. Bates said and with the sentence handed down, Crawley's violent sojourn outside prison ended as abruptly as it began, the court demonstrating little tolerance for such a brutal act by confining him once more, this time with little hope for release.
