Missing D.C. Woman Case Escalates to Murder Charges

Caption: Metropolitan Police Department headquarters in Washington, D.C., contextualizing law-enforcement response in a homicide investigation. Source: Wikimedia Commons / Elvert Barnes, CC BY-SA 2.0.

Two additional men have been charged in the presumed murder of a Washington, D.C., woman who has been missing for more than two years. Prosecutors announced that Bjarni Cooper, 31, and Tyjuan McNeal, 29, now face first-degree felony murder and a slate of other serious charges in the disappearance of 25-year-old Chyna Crawford.

The new indictment marks a major escalation in a case that began as a missing person investigation in October 2023. With the latest arrests, authorities say three people are now charged in connection with Crawford’s presumed killing.

Officials emphasized that while Crawford’s body has not been recovered, the evidence supports homicide charges. Prosecutors said the case reflects an extensive investigation built over time.

What Prosecutors Allege Happened

According to charging documents, Crawford was kidnapped from her home in Washington, D.C., in October 2023. Authorities allege that the suspects acted together, forcibly taking her and stealing personal property.

Prosecutors say Crawford’s vehicle was later taken and disposed of, an action they argue was meant to conceal the crime. Investigators believe the kidnapping, robbery, and carjacking were part of a single chain of events that led to her death.

The charges include first-degree felony murder, kidnapping, armed carjacking, robbery, and related weapons offenses. Under D.C. law, felony murder charges can apply when a death occurs during the commission of violent crimes, even without direct evidence of how the death occurred.

A Missing Woman and Growing Fears

Chyna Crawford was 25 years old when she disappeared, and her case quickly drew concern from family members and community advocates. Loved ones reported her missing after she stopped communicating and failed to show up for routine obligations.

Over time, investigators said the lack of activity tied to Crawford’s phone, finances, and vehicle raised serious concerns. Authorities have stated that evidence gathered during the investigation made it increasingly unlikely she was alive.

For Crawford’s family, the passage of time without answers has been devastating. Prosecutors acknowledged the emotional toll, noting that presumed murder cases often prolong uncertainty and grief for those left behind.

Expanding Investigation and Earlier Arrests

Before the latest charges, one suspect had already been arrested in connection with Crawford’s disappearance. The new indictment brings the total number of defendants to three, suggesting prosecutors believe the crime involved coordinated actions.

Authorities have not detailed each suspect’s specific role, citing the ongoing nature of the case. However, they allege that Cooper and McNeal were active participants in the kidnapping and robbery that preceded Crawford’s presumed death.

Investigators say the case relied on a combination of surveillance footage, digital records, witness statements, and vehicle tracking. Officials described the process as methodical, requiring time to build charges strong enough to support a murder prosecution without a recovered body.

What the Charges Mean Going Forward

Cooper and McNeal are expected to face court proceedings in the coming weeks, where a judge will review the charges and determine next steps. If convicted, the felony murder charge carries the possibility of life imprisonment.

Prosecutors have not ruled out additional charges or defendants, stating that the investigation remains active. Defense attorneys have not yet publicly responded to the allegations.

For the city, the case underscores the dangers of urban violence and the challenges of resolving long-term missing person cases. For Crawford’s family, the new charges represent a painful but significant development, offering a measure of accountability after years of unanswered questions.

References: washingtonpost.com | NBC News | wjla.com