A jury has found Cordarius Jamal Crawford guilty of Second Degree murder with a Firearm in connection to a 2022 Orlando homicide. Travick Ward II was found deceased in the breezeway of the Villages on Millenia Apartments on March 10, 2023. Court records showed that Ward had arrived at the apartment complex with his girlfriend and best friend to visit another friend who had come home from college.

At the apartment complex, Cordarius Crawford approached and started shooting at them. Ward was fatally shot. Surveillance footage from the apartment complex and nearby businesses captured the moments before and after the shooting including the suspect who was identified by distinct features such as a red backpack, gold medallion, and Adidas tracksuit.

A Crimeline bulletin with the suspect’s description was released and helped Orlando detectives identify Crawford as the shooter. Detectives say they also obtained a statement from Crawford that put him at the scene of the crime. According to authorities, Crawford claimed the shooting was in self-defense.

During the trial, 13 witnesses testified including Crawford. Following a three-day trial, a jury convicted Crawford of Second Degree Murder with a Firearm and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. He also was found guilty on two counts of the lesser included offense of Attempted Manslaughter by Act.

Crawford is scheduled to be sentenced on January 14, 2024.