On a Thursday evening in Rock Hill, South Carolina, the life of 28-year-old Ladarrus Crawford was tragically cut short. Known affectionately as 'Beetle Juice' to his friends and family, Crawford was a father and a beloved member of his community. The fatal incident occurred on September 7, 2017, at an apartment complex on Lucas Street where his girlfriend resided.
Earlier that day, Ladarrus had spent quality time with his mother, Betty Holley, sharing jokes and laughter, completely
unaware of the violence that would soon befall him. That night, at approximately 10:00 PM, he stepped outside the apartment to his car. It was in this brief moment that he was shot once. Fatally wounded, he managed to make it back inside to the kitchen floor, where he collapsed and died. His girlfriend, who was inside the apartment, reported hearing a single gunshot.
The Rock Hill Police Department launched a homicide investigation, but the case was immediately met with challenges. From the outset, investigators had no significant leads and struggled to identify a motive for the shooting. Robbery was ruled out, as nothing was stolen from Crawford; his car remained untouched, and his keys were found in his pocket. Authorities reviewed video surveillance from the apartment complex, but the footage proved to be of little help, only revealing indistinct shadows.
In the years that have followed, the case has grown cold. There have been no reports of any arrests made or suspects identified in connection with the murder of Ladarrus Crawford. The identity of the person or persons responsible for his death remains unknown, leaving his family, including his young son, without answers or justice for his untimely death. The community continues to mourn the loss of a man remembered as a 'sweet soul' and a good father.
