Los Angeles County man arrested for stepfather's murder

Terrance Crawford, 19, allegedly stabbed his 62-year-old stepfather Bruce Whitney multiple times on Sunday afternoon

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A 19-year-old Los Angeles County man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after allegedly stabbing his 62-year-old stepfather, Bruce Whitney, to death in their Castaic home on Sunday afternoon. Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department responded to a reported assault and found Whitney suffering from multiple stab wounds, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities later located and arrested the suspect, Terrance Crawford, in the Los Angeles area.

Why it matters

Domestic violence and family disputes can tragically turn deadly, raising concerns about mental health resources, conflict resolution, and the need for stronger intervention and prevention measures to protect vulnerable family members.

The details

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, deputies responded to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon at a home on Ridge Top Lane in Castaic around 1:35 p.m. on Sunday. They found Bruce Whitney suffering from multiple stab wounds in the living room, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators determined that the suspect was Whitney's 19-year-old stepson, Terrance Crawford, who was later located and arrested in the Los Angeles area on suspicion of murder. No further details on a possible motive were immediately provided.

  • On Sunday, February 15, 2026 around 1:35 p.m., deputies responded to the reported assault.
  • Bruce Whitney was pronounced dead at the scene.

The players

Terrance Crawford

A 19-year-old Los Angeles County resident who was arrested on suspicion of murdering his stepfather.

Bruce Whitney

A 62-year-old Castaic resident who was allegedly stabbed to death by his stepson.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the reported assault and made the arrest.

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What’s next

Authorities have not yet disclosed a possible motive for the alleged murder, and the case remains under investigation.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for greater resources and support to address domestic violence and mental health issues within families, in order to prevent such senseless acts of violence.