Martin City homicide trial pushed back
DERRICK PERKINS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years, 6 months AGO
Judge Dan Wilson ordered Nov. 14 the jury trial of accused murderer Del Orrin Crawford pushed to the summer months at the request of his defense attorney.
Crawford, 40, faces deliberate homicide, attempted deliberate homicide and tampering charges in Flathead County District Court following a shooting at a Martin City bar in August that left one dead. He pleaded not guilty to all three felony charges in September.
In a motion filed in district court on Nov. 10, attorney Daniel Wood asked to delay the trial to better coordinate with experts and confirm the participation of key witnesses. He wrote that he relayed to Crawford that the move potentially represented the waiver of his right to a speedy trial.
Deputy County Attorney Stacy Bowman, who is prosecuting the case, did not oppose the motion.
In his order, Wilson wrote that Wood showed good cause for the delay and set the trial for his July jury term.
Authorities arrested Crawford after he allegedly opened fire during an Aug. 27 confrontation at the bar. The gunfire left Whisper Sellars dead and her husband, Doug Crosswhite, seriously injured with wounds to his arm and chest.
Crawford fled after the shooting, but eventually surrendered to authorities on South Fork Road, court documents said. He allegedly hid the firearm used in the shooting prior to entering into custody. Authorities later recovered the weapon.
In October, he and his attorneys unsuccessfully sought to see his bail, which was set at $750,000, lowered. He posted bond not long after and was released with conditions, including GPS monitoring.
News Editor Derrick Perkins can be reached at 758-4430 or dperkins@dailyinterlake.com.
MORE LOCAL-NEWS STORIES

Accused Martin City killer released after securing bond
Daily Inter-Lake | Updated 2 years, 7 months ago

Accused shooter pleads not guilty to multiple charges
Daily Inter-Lake | Updated 2 years, 8 months ago
ARTICLES BY DERRICK PERKINS
Suspected drug dealers allegedly arrested with more than 47 grams of meth
A traffic violation in the Flathead Valley in March led to the arrest of a pair of suspected drug dealers and the seizure of more than 47 grams of methamphetamine, prosecutors say

Suspect drunk driver allegedly attacked arresting police officers in Columbia Falls
Garrett Christopher Joubert faces a felony assaulting a peace officer charge and a misdemeanor count of driving under the influence, second offense, in Flathead County District Court following his May 22 arrest.

Man accused of stabbing his mother with a pen
Prosecutors brought Daniel Kenneth Meyer Jr. up on one count of assault with a weapon in Flathead County District Court following the alleged May 9 attack on Jellison Road.