Delaware News

Prosecutors Secure Conviction in 2021 Murder Case

Department of Justice | Department of Justice Press Releases | News | Date Posted: Tuesday, March 21, 2023


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A King of Prussia man has been convicted for the 2021 stalking and murder of Nicole Crawford.

On March 16, Justin Chaffier, 36, was found guilty of Murder 1st  Degree in addition to a felony Stalking charge. The conviction followed an investigation in which it was confirmed through multiple Ring camera videos, phone records, and DNA testing that Chaffier had stalked Crawford and strangled her to death.

“This man’s actions were truly monstrous and I am deeply grateful to our prosecutors and to New Castle County PD for bringing him to justice,” said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. “Nothing can bring back the innocent life that was taken — but I hope that this conviction will bring the Crawford family some peace as they continue to heal.”

On February 26, 2021, New Castle County Police were contacted by Crawford’s mother, who had gone to her daughter’s house after her employer called to report that she had missed work. Crawford was declared dead on-scene shortly thereafter. While responding to the call, police became aware of 911 calls from both the victim and neighbors regarding an individual walking around Crawford’s property and peering into the windows. Police ultimately identified Chaffier, Crawford’s estranged ex-boyfriend, as the suspect. Chaffier — who had previously been convicted of rape by Pennsylvania authorities and was later extradited to Delaware — was indicted for murder in August 2021 by a New Castle County grand jury.

Chaffier is scheduled for sentencing in June. His conviction was secured by Deputy Attorneys General Jenna Milecki and Jill Schroeder with the assistance of Paralegal Niki Cruz and Social Worker Jenn Kutney Soper, following an investigation led by Cpl. Michael McNasby of the New Castle County Police Department.

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Prosecutors Secure Conviction in 2021 Murder Case

Department of Justice | Department of Justice Press Releases | News | Date Posted: Tuesday, March 21, 2023


Navy blue background featuring the Delaware state seal in the center

A King of Prussia man has been convicted for the 2021 stalking and murder of Nicole Crawford.

On March 16, Justin Chaffier, 36, was found guilty of Murder 1st  Degree in addition to a felony Stalking charge. The conviction followed an investigation in which it was confirmed through multiple Ring camera videos, phone records, and DNA testing that Chaffier had stalked Crawford and strangled her to death.

“This man’s actions were truly monstrous and I am deeply grateful to our prosecutors and to New Castle County PD for bringing him to justice,” said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. “Nothing can bring back the innocent life that was taken — but I hope that this conviction will bring the Crawford family some peace as they continue to heal.”

On February 26, 2021, New Castle County Police were contacted by Crawford’s mother, who had gone to her daughter’s house after her employer called to report that she had missed work. Crawford was declared dead on-scene shortly thereafter. While responding to the call, police became aware of 911 calls from both the victim and neighbors regarding an individual walking around Crawford’s property and peering into the windows. Police ultimately identified Chaffier, Crawford’s estranged ex-boyfriend, as the suspect. Chaffier — who had previously been convicted of rape by Pennsylvania authorities and was later extradited to Delaware — was indicted for murder in August 2021 by a New Castle County grand jury.

Chaffier is scheduled for sentencing in June. His conviction was secured by Deputy Attorneys General Jenna Milecki and Jill Schroeder with the assistance of Paralegal Niki Cruz and Social Worker Jenn Kutney Soper, following an investigation led by Cpl. Michael McNasby of the New Castle County Police Department.

image_printPrint


Graphic that represents delaware news on a mobile phone

Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.

Here you can subscribe to future news updates.