Martin City homicide trial pushed back
DERRICK PERKINS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 years, 8 months AGO
NEWS EDITOR Derrick Perkins serves as News Editor at the Daily Inter Lake. He oversees daily news coverage and works closely with reporters to plan, edit and publish stories across print and digital platforms. Perkins helps coordinate coverage of local government, public safety, business and community developments throughout Northwest Montana. He works with the reporting staff to strengthen journalism while maintaining consistent daily coverage. His role helps ensure the newsroom delivers timely, accurate reporting that readers rely on. IMPACT: Derrick’s work keeps readers informed about the decisions and events shaping their communities every day. | November 25, 2022 11:00 PM
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 [email protected].
ARTICLES BY DERRICK PERKINS
Motorist accused of hitting flagger in Whitefish construction zone
A Whitefish motorist suspected of running over the foot of a construction zone flagger in June is now up on a felony charge.
Suspect charged in brutal assault near Glacier Park International Airport last year
stry
Serio given 100-year sentence for killing a man with his car in 2025
Convicted murderer Jeffrey Scott Serio received a 100-year prison sentence Wednesday for intentionally running over and killing a Flathead Valley man in the summer of 2025.