QUEENS, NY — The son of a retired New York City correction officer has been arrested in the killing of his mother after she was found stabbed to death inside their Queens home, police said.
Authorities said the case followed years of family conflict that brought officers to the address several times.
Police say Joanna Crawford was found stabbed multiple times inside Far Rockaway home
Joanna Crawford, 61, was discovered dead around 10:40 a.m. Tuesday inside the family home on Nameoke Ave. near Pinson St. in Far Rockaway, according to police.
Investigators said she had been stabbed numerous times in the body. A machete was recovered at the scene and identified by police as the murder weapon.
Armel Crawford faces murder and weapons charges in Queens case
Police said Armel Crawford, 26, was charged Tuesday night with murder and weapons possession. His arraignment in Queens Criminal Court was pending Wednesday.
Officials said he had no prior arrests.
NYPD had been called four times in five years over disputes between mother and son
According to police, officers responded to the home at least four times in the last five years because of heated arguments between the pair.
In June, officers filed a domestic incident report after Armel Crawford was accused of harassing his mother. Police also responded in April after a dispute involving an aunt staying in the home, as well as in November 2022 and August 2021, when the son was seen throwing hot water in the hallway.
Former correction officer served the city for 23 years before retiring in 2010
City officials said Joanna Crawford worked for the Department of Correction for 23 years, starting in 1987, and retired in 2010.
DOC Commissioner Stanley Richards said the agency was mourning her death and honoring her service. A cousin, Barry Crawford, said the family had known there were problems between mother and son but did not expect the violence to turn deadly.
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