A 58-year-old man will spend the rest of his life in prison for brutally beating his stepfather to death and attempting to kill his own mother in 2025 in Gilbert.
Gary Crawford was sentenced to natural life in prison plus an additional 21 years for murdering his stepfather and trying to kill his mother.
According to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, on November 22, 2025, Gilbert Police were called to a home near McQueen and Elliot Roads for a welfare check. The caller said she was supposed to go to dinner with her 91-year-old father, but he was not answering the door. Officers made their way inside and found Oscar Casdorph bludgeoned to death with a hammer. Oscar’s 81-year-old wife, who is the defendant’s mother, had also been struck repeatedly with a hammer but survived.
Detectives learned that Crawford had moved into the home a few weeks prior, but he was missing along with one of the couple’s cars. During the investigation, it was discovered that after attacking the victims, Crawford stole their cell phones and Oscar’s bank card, which he used to withdraw $1,500. Police tracked Crawford in the stolen car and arrested him.
Crawford pleaded guilty to First Degree Murder, a Class One Dangerous Felony and Domestic Violence Offense; and Attempt to Commit First Degree Murder, a Class Two Dangerous Felony and Domestic Violence Offense.
“This defendant’s family took him in, and he betrayed them in the worst way imaginable,” said Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell. “This sentence ensures he spends the rest of his life in prison, exactly where he belongs. My thoughts are with the victims’ families as they continue to grieve and try to heal.”
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