Three Men Charged in 2023 Disappearance and Murder of D.C. Woman

Authorities say the killing was part of a larger gang-related kidnapping and robbery conspiracy.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 9:59am

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D.C. police have charged three additional suspects this week in the 2023 killing of 25-year-old Chyna Crawford, bringing the total to five people involved in what officials say was a gang-related kidnapping conspiracy. The three new defendants - Niquan Odumn, Deionta Person, and Tyjuan McNeal - are already serving prison sentences for other crimes and have pleaded not guilty to charges including first-degree murder, armed carjacking, and armed robbery.

Why it matters

The case highlights the ongoing challenges of gang violence and organized crime in the D.C. area, as well as the difficulties law enforcement can face in solving complex, long-running criminal conspiracies. Crawford's disappearance was initially investigated as a missing persons case before being reassigned to a specialized unit, underscoring the serious nature of the suspected foul play.

The details

According to court documents, Crawford was allegedly targeted, kidnapped, and fatally shot by the group as part of a larger conspiracy that also involved the theft of luxury goods. The indictment alleges that Crawford was confronted at her apartment, forced into her own Mercedes, and driven away by one of the suspects. Her apartment was then burglarized, with the group allegedly stealing her phone, laptop, designer clothing, and jewelry. The group is accused of then cleaning and selling the vehicle.

  • Crawford went missing in the fall of 2023.
  • The first suspect, Lashawn Washington, was indicted in 2024.
  • The three new defendants were already in prison on other charges when they were indicted in March 2024 and April 2026.

The players

Chyna Crawford

A 25-year-old woman from Southwest Washington, D.C. who went missing in 2023 and was later found to have been killed.

Niquan Odumn

A 24-year-old man who is already serving a prison sentence and has been charged with first-degree murder, armed carjacking, and armed robbery in Crawford's death.

Deionta Person

A 28-year-old man who is also in prison and faces the same charges as Odumn in Crawford's killing.

Tyjuan McNeal

A 29-year-old man who is in prison and has been charged with first-degree murder, armed carjacking, and armed robbery in the case.

Lashawn Washington

The first person arrested in the case, who was indicted in 2024 on charges including first-degree murder, kidnapping, and obstruction of justice.

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What they’re saying

“I did not know her.”

— Derrick Crawford, Chyna Crawford's brother

“I miss my friend. I hope she comes home soon.”

— Lashawn Washington

What’s next

All five suspects are expected to appear in D.C. Superior Court for a hearing scheduled for April 15.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of gang violence and organized crime in the D.C. area, as well as the difficulties law enforcement can face in solving complex, long-running criminal conspiracies. It also underscores the tragic human toll of such crimes.