A 63-year-old man from Wichita has been found guilty of murdering two individuals in a Riverside residence last year.
Charles Crawford entered a plea of no contest on Thursday to two counts of first-degree murder in the tragic deaths of Vanessa Crawford, 50, and Donald Eckert, 58. Initially facing a capital murder charge, Charles has now pleaded no contest to the aforementioned charges.
On the morning of July 25, 2023, Wichita police received a call regarding a woman who attempted to drop off her child at a daycare center near 11th and Woodrow. Upon arrival, the officers encountered a situation where they were unable to enter the residence. Peering inside, they discovered two victims slumped over.
EMS was unsuccessful in resuscitating the two victims.
During the investigation, the officers observed Crawford carrying a firearm and expressing suicidal thoughts in the vicinity of 12th and Woodrow. They apprehended him approximately two hours later.
Crawford’s sentencing is set for February 10.
