A man who killed his 91-year-old stepfather with a hammer and tried to murder his mother at their home in Gilbert, Arizona, has been sentenced to natural life in prison, with a further 21 years added to his term.
Gary Crawford pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder following the attack on 22 November. The sentence was announced on 23 September by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.
Police were called to the property near McQueen and Elliot roads for a welfare check after a relative became concerned when Oscar Casdorph and his 81-year-old wife failed to answer the door or attend planned dinner arrangements.
Officers found Casdorph dead inside the house after suffering severe head injuries. His wife, Crawford’s mother, had also been repeatedly struck with a hammer but survived the assault.
Investigators said Crawford had recently moved into the couple’s home. After the attack, he allegedly took their mobile phones and Casdorph’s bank card, withdrawing about $1,500. He then left in one of the couple’s vehicles.
Gilbert police tracked the vehicle to Glendale the following morning, where Crawford was arrested without incident. Police said he later admitted killing Casdorph and trying to kill his mother.
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said Crawford’s family had taken him in before he “betrayed them in the worst way imaginable”.
“This sentence ensures he spends the rest of his life in prison, exactly where he belongs,” she said. “My thoughts are with the victims’ families as they continue to grieve and try to heal.”
Gilbert police described the incident as isolated and said there were no other suspects.
