Winchester Police Seek Woman on Felony Warrant

Crystal Godwin wanted for failure to appear on malicious wounding charge

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Winchester Police Department is searching for Crystal Godwin, who is wanted for failure to appear in court on a felony charge of malicious wounding. Godwin is accused of breaking into a Winchester apartment in 2020 and stabbing a man in the arm with hedge clippers, causing a fractured bone that required surgery.

Why it matters

Wanted individuals can pose a public safety risk, and the police are relying on community cooperation to locate and apprehend Godwin. Malicious wounding is a serious felony offense in Virginia that can result in a prison sentence of 5 to 20 years.

The details

According to police, the malicious wounding charge against Godwin stems from an incident reported on July 11, 2020, in a Winchester apartment. Godwin allegedly broke into the home and used hedge clippers to stab a man in the arm as he tried to defend himself. The victim suffered a fractured bone that required surgery.

  • The incident occurred on July 11, 2020.
  • Godwin is currently wanted by the Winchester Police Department for failure to appear on the felony charge.

The players

Crystal Godwin

A woman wanted by the Winchester Police Department for failure to appear on a felony charge of malicious wounding.

The Victim

A man who was allegedly stabbed in the arm by Godwin with hedge clippers, resulting in a fractured bone that required surgery.

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What they’re saying

“Wanted individuals are a periodic issue in communities, and we depend on public awareness and cooperation to resolve such matters safely and efficiently.”

— Winchester Police Department (thewinchestergazette.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Godwin's bail status at her next court appearance.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of the public working with law enforcement to locate and apprehend wanted individuals, as they can pose a threat to public safety. It also underscores the serious nature of felony charges like malicious wounding in Virginia.