Cold Case Murder Investigation Seeks Public’s Help in Identifying Victim

SEDGWICK COUNTY — The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is appealing to the public for assistance in solving a cold case murder that dates back to 1994. Law enforcement authorities are seeking any information that could shed light on the identity of the victim and help bring justice to their family.

According to a recent media release, on October 29, 1994, while conducting routine maintenance on the ditches and tree rows in the 5600 block of west 47th Street South, employees from the Kansas Gas and Electric Company made a grim discovery. Buried in a shallow grave, they stumbled upon human remains, prompting an immediate investigation by the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office.

After a thorough examination conducted by the Sedgwick County Coroner’s Office and a Forensic Anthropologist, it was determined that the manner of death was homicide. However, for nearly three decades, the victim’s identity remained a mystery, significantly impeding progress in the investigation.

In late 2022, Sergeant Michael Guthrie of the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office took a significant step forward by successfully securing a grant from Othram Inc. for DNA testing of the victim. This crucial funding allowed the case to be reopened, offering hope for a breakthrough.

In May 2023, Othram Inc. utilized advanced DNA technology to identify a relative of the victim, leading to a crucial breakthrough in the case. Through extensive further investigation, the unknown victim was finally identified as Harold “James” Crawford, born on January 11th, 1973. At the time of his tragic death, James was 21 years old and resided in an apartment complex on the east side of Wichita.

If you had any connection to James or possess any information, regardless of how insignificant it may appear, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office urges you to come forward. You can contribute to this ongoing investigation by contacting the Cold Case Hotline at (316)660-3799, Crime Stoppers at (316)267-2111, or by sending an email to [email protected].